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
Puzhukkil K
(2023)
Hydro-elastic interaction of polymer materials with regular waves
in Proceedings of the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
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 so that these structures are capable of volumetric change under wave forces, which, in turn, could drive a turbine, leading to electricity generation. We have now designed and optimised a device utilising origami folding concept. This is the first of this kind and it has obvious advantages over existing devices for it can have much larger and orderly volumetric change. A small scale prototype is being manufactured for testing. We hope that this device could be a game-changer for this type of wave energy generator. |
| Exploitation Route | This project still has a few months 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. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Education,Energy |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| 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 | 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 |