Flexible Responsive Systems in Wave Energy: FlexWave
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Engineering Science
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Zhong You (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Liu C
(2025)
Morphing surfaces inspired by thick-panel origami
in International Journal of Mechanical Sciences
Puzhukkil K
(2023)
Hydro-elastic interaction of polymer materials with regular waves
in Proceedings of the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
Wang C
(2024)
Reconfigurable origami-inspired multistable metamorphous structures
in Science Advances
Wang X
(2023)
Graphene oxide reinforced room-temperature-vulcanising elastomers for flexible wave energy converters
in Proceedings of the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
Yang J
(2023)
Origami-adapted clam design for wave energy conversion
in Proceedings of the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
Yang, J.
(2023)
Origami-adapted Clam Design for Wave Energy Conversion
| Description | We are using origami concepts to create shape-changing flexible structures that can change volume under wave forces, which in turn could drive a turbine to generate electricity. We have now designed and optimised a device using the origami folding concept. This is the first of its kind and has obvious advantages over existing devices in that it can achieve much larger and more ordered volumetric changes. A scaled-down model has been designed, built and extensively tested in a coastal laboratory that mimics the real ocean environment. The test results show that the origami wave energy converter is capable of generating energy on a par with the best devices to date, but is much simpler in design, which in turn reduces the cost associated with manufacturing a converter. We plan to apply for further funding to optimise the design to take it to the next level in terms of energy generation. In addition, we have been looking at energy harvesting methods other than using volumetric change. For example, we are investigating the Dielectric Fluid Generator (DFG) device, which uses the flow of dielectric fluid between two dielectric films to change the capacitance and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Origami is used to stack many such units together to increase the amount of energy harvested. We are also working on the use of dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) as power take-off (PTO) systems, which convert wave energy into electricity by deforming a dielectric elastomer material. Either approach, if successful, could be a game changer as they greatly reduce the cost of wave energy converters for the amount of energy harvested, making them practical to deploy. |
| Exploitation Route | This project has a few weeks to run, and we are on track to complete it. We hope that we could obtain follow-on funds, which could then be used to build real scale devices with our industry partners. We have obtained a small grant to examine electricity generation using stretchable materials. This could open up another avenue for wave energy generation. |
| Sectors | Education Energy Environment |
| Description | As part of the project, we run yearly meetings where academics and industry specialists come together to exchange ideas. In the meetings that we have held so far, there were large number of people from marine energy sector who were keen to learn our research and establish further collaborations. We are in the early stages of investigating the origami dielectric fluid generator (DFG) wave energy converter, which utilises the flow of dielectric fluid between two dielectric films to change the capacitance and convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Origami is used to bundle many small capacitors together to increase the overall energy harvested. We aim to demonstrate that the combination of origami and DFG could yield a greater amount of energy harvested than current generators, bringing it closer to real-world applications. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Education,Energy |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Title | Origami wave energy converter design |
| Description | We worked out an approach to analyse and design the origami wave energy converter in which we are able to identify the optimal shape of the converter and quantify the stress/strain levels specifically for the cover materials of the converter. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | For the first time, an origami converter is designed. The approach includes the following steps: parameterisation of the geometry using rigid and semi-rigid origami, and then analysis, where some panels are assumed to be rigid while others are deformable. An iterative process is used to optimise the design, minimising the strain on the materials, which could extend the life of the converter and prevent material failure. |
| Title | Origami-Inspired Wave Energy Converter |
| Description | This is a device capable of volumetric change when subjected to wave loadings. It was inspired by origami concept. It is the main device that we shall use for wave energy generation. |
| IP Reference | P10624GB03 |
| Protection | Patent / Patent application |
| Year Protection Granted | 2023 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | The patent application is entitled "Origami-Inspired Wave Energy Converter". It was for a concept of a device capable of volumetric change when subjected to wave loading. The main device of the project is based on this concept. |
| Description | 2024 Supergen ORE annual assembly |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The workshop focused on the latest progress of EPSRC-funded wave energy projects. The main participants were academics, their industrial partners and renewable energy policy makers. The workshop was followed by questions and discussions. It is clear that industry partners are keen to see the technologies applied in the real world. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | BASM-WEC Workshop at the University of Strathclyde |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This was a workshop on cutting-edge new wave energy technologies including bio-inspired energy generators. Many academics and industry partners took part in this workshop. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
| Description | PRIMaRE conference |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
| Results and Impact | The annual PRIMaRE conference provides a forum for exchanging the latest research & development and fostering collaborations in Marine Renewable Energy. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2023 |