About the project
We are seeking a motivated and innovative individual to join our dynamic team in the pursuit of harnessing the vast potential of wave energy. This exciting PhD opportunity focuses on the design, construction, testing, and analysis of a novel mechanism for wave energy harvesting.
Dive into the heart of renewable energy with a project that aims to create a mechanism capable of efficiently converting the translational motion of waves into continuous rotational motion. The key to our innovation lies in a novel diamond threaded shaft and nut design, offering unprecedented efficiency and reliability. By coupling this rotating shaft to a generator, it will transform the raw power of waves into clean and sustainable electrical energy. The main aim of this project is to design and build, and then test and validate a prototype Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter intended to harness wave energy, in this case, specifically the oscillatory ‘heaving motion’ of ocean waves into useful electrical power. The approach that is unique to this work is whether it is possible to achieve this without a complex mechanical motion rectification mechanism, but rather through the direct driving of a bespoke double-helix, self-reversing screw with a novel assembly of one-way clutch bearings, to harness both the ascending and descending heave motions and transfer this into a unidirectional rotational movement, continuously driving the shaft of a generator.
The work will focus on the design and construction of a pilot device and a working prototype, for validation testing of analytical models that will be developed to estimate the hydrodynamic forces acting on the floating body and the components that will harness the wave motion and deliver it to our novel power take-off mechanism .
This project isn't just about advancing scientific knowledge; it's about creating real-world solutions to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. The successful implementation of this wave energy harvesting technology could provide the UK and numerous other nations with access to a previously untapped and abundant source of sustainable energy. By joining us, you'll be contributing to the global effort to reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources and combat climate change.
Facilities:
Our state-of-the-art towing tank facilities provide the ideal environment for developing and testing your prototype. With cutting-edge equipment at your disposal, you'll have the opportunity to bring your ideas to life and see the tangible impact of your research.
