Wave energy - Waves 2.0 : Concept evaluation of Waves 1.0 and conversion of linear motion to rotation

The purpose of the work is to eventually develop a wave power model that will produce electricity at a competitive price. The work is carried out at Invencon AB and is part of the course Degree Project for Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering at Karlstad University. The choice of subject is due to the fact that there is currently no commercially viable wave technology that has succeeded in pushing the price of produced electricity so low to compete with other energy sources such as wind power, nuclear power and hydropower. Invencon AB has made a pilot study on a concept which is based on simplicity and is called Waves. Waves should be constructed with cheap, robust and well-proven technology. The aim of this work is to further develop the concept and will be reached by basing the design on wave force theory, weaknesses of other wave power models while remaining within the scope of what Waves patent covers. In addition to the further development of Waves, an appropriate solution to the linear motion of the buoy will be transformed into rotation, which in turn can drive any pump, generator or compressor. A requirement specification was set up for how the conversion from linear motion to rotation should be done. This was followed by a concept generation in the form of brainstorming with a group consisting of five students, were all participants are classmates. To select the right concept, a concept evaluation is done using an elimination matrix and a relative decision matrix. Then the chosen concept is further developed and the components are dimensioned. Finally, the chosen concept is designed in Creo Parametric 2.0 to visualize the result. The solution is a construction based on two pulleys as a drift line (wire) runs through. The one pulley walks freely through ball bearings. Between the second pulley and wire, the friction is high enough for sliding not to occur, which causes the pulley to rotate. Through splines between the pulley and output shaft, the torque can be propelled and powered by a pump, generator or compressor. The improvements on Waves are developed during the project. All improvements and dimensions are compiled and called Waves 2.0