Session: 09-09-01: Advances in Wind and Ocean Energy

Paper Number: 166654

Development and Experimental Investigation of a Pendulum-Based Wave Energy Converter for Met-Ocean Sensing 

Ocean energy presents a vast, underutilized resource for sustainable power generation.Regular and ac-
curate oceanographic data collection is essential for understanding marine environments, supporting cli-
mate research, and ensuring sustainable management of ocean resources.Continuous data collection helps
in monitoring ocean temperature, salinity, wave dynamics, and water quality, which are vital for assessing
climate change impacts, predicting extreme weather events, and guiding maritime operations.Traditional
marine sensors depend on battery power or solar energy, both of which face operational challenges such
as limited power capacity and environmental constraints. The development of autonomous and energy-
efficient ocean monitoring systems is critical to overcoming the limitations of conventional data collection
methods, such as ship-based surveys and battery-dependent sensor networks. Wave energy converters
(WECs) offer a sustainable alternative by leveraging natural wave motion to provide consistent energy
for long-term data collection. We are proposing an innovative, wave-powered autonomous met-ocean sen-
sor suite buoy designed for oceanographic data collection and renewable energy generation.This study
focuses on the design, development, and experimental evaluation of the proposed design. The design
integrates mechanical, electrical, and environmental engineering disciplines to develop a pendulum-based
Wave Energy Converter (P-WEC) that harnesses ocean wave energy to power onboard sensors, enabling
real-time data transmission via radio waves or satellite transmission in remote marine environments. The device is a low-cost,
sustainable solution that addresses the growing demand for high-resolution oceanographic data while
contributing to the blue economy.
The proposed system harnesses the oscillatory motion of ocean waves to drive a pendulum mechanism,
converting mechanical energy into electrical power to sustain onboard sensors for long-term environmen-
tal monitoring.The design emphasizes environmental sustainability, utilizing corrosion-resistant materials
and minimizing ecological impact. The system incorporates a dual power transmission mechanism with
fail-safe features, ensuring reliable data collection and transmission even in harsh oceanic conditions. An
AC generator with a rectifier circuit was selected for optimal power conversion. Additionally, the study
explores the scalability of the technology, with potential applications ranging from small coastal com-
munities to large-scale utility projects. The device’s performance was validated and tested in controlled
wave tank experiments, with results indicating promising energy conversion efficiency and operational
reliability. Testing was conducted on a scaled model of 1:8.5 of the original 6 m diameter buoy to suit
the testing conditions and power capabilities. The onboard batteries served as the energy storage system
that powered the sensors. Temperature and turbidity sensors were used for sensing, but the scale of
sensors for the full-scale model is significantly larger.
The study contributes to advancing ocean-based renewable energy solutions, addressing challenges
in offshore energy sustainability while providing critical data for climate research and marine opera-
tions. The results demonstrate the potential of the proposed technology for long-term deployment in
oceanographic monitoring, offshore infrastructure surveillance, and maritime security applications.

Presenting Author: Ahmed Shalaby Stevens Institute of Technology

Presenting Author Biography: Ph.D. Candidate in Ocean Engineering | Wave Energy Researcher | Peer Mentor

Ahmed Shalaby is a Ph.D. candidate in Ocean Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, specializing in wave energy conversion and floating platform stability. His research focuses on optimizing the performance of wave energy converters (WECs) by enhancing their efficiency and stability in dynamic ocean conditions. His recent work involves the development of a pendulum-based WEC for data collection. He also worked on a flap-based WEC mounted on a floating platform, incorporating metal spheres inside tubes (a particle damping system) to improve rotational movement and maximize power output in wave tank experiments.

Authors:

Ahmed Shalaby Stevens Institute of Technology
Mahmoud E. Abd El-Latief Stevens Institute of Technology
Ahmad Shah Stevens Institute of Technology
Ruben Paredes Stevens Institute of Technology
Jia Mi Stevens Institute of Technology
Raju Datla Stevens Institute of Technology