Feasibility Study of Wave Energy Converter Using Compressed Air to Generate Electricity

Wave energy is one of the promising resources for harnessing a vast amount of renewable energy. Wave energy converter is being defined by a particular design and the power take-off system which signify the mechanism of absorbing the wave energy and convert it into electricity. Addressing the significant potential of wave energy, the wave converter using a pneumatic system and compressed air as energy storage is designed and fabricated. The concept is presented and tested in the wave maker to analyze the performance of the prototype. This project aims to study the capabilities of small-scale, low cost and portable wave energy converter using compressed air to generate power. In this project, an experiment is conducted using the force of wave to generate linear motion of double acting cylinder that specifically creates compressed air in a small-scale tank. From the experiment, it is observed that the wave energy able to compressed air at pressure up to 0.5 bar. Then, the compressed air which is stored in the storage tank is released and it flows through water turbine that works as a generator to produce a power output of 18 V. The feasibility study reveals that the experiment able to harness electricity using low equipment tool. Further improvement of the design can increase the efficiency of the pneumatic generated system and able to generate an electric power.