Research Paper
The growing demand for renewable energy calls for innovative, affordable, and accessible solutions. Conventional hydroelectric generators are overpriced, some taking as long as 15 years to pay themselves off. This project addresses the need for sustainable energy by investigating the potential of generating electricity through vertical wave motion from floating pile docks. Unlike traditional hydroelectric systems, this design integrates seamlessly with existing dock infrastructure, reducing installation costs and environmental impact. Its modular setup can power dock systems, store energy, and even charge electric boats, making it ideal for marinas and isolated coastal communities. The challenge in developing our product is capturing the docks' upward and downward motion and converting it into electricity. There are many existing wave energy solutions, but they are highly expensive, bulky, or extremely large-scale and impractical. By focusing on the static poles and the movement of the docks attached to them, our product can create a practical generation of electricity. Unlike large, off-shore wave energy farms, our product is relatively small, cost-effective, and scalable, making it highly accessible to marinas, fishing villages, and other coastal communities that would highly benefit from renewable and sustainable energy production. Additionally, it is easy to implement because it uses the existing infrastructure and builds upon it.
To validate the architectural structure of our design, we consulted with Nathaly Haratz Kaswan, an architect experienced in this area of expertise. Mrs. Kaswan confirmed that our modular system is compatible to fit in with most floating pile docks and emphasized the importance of resistance to oxidation from the salt water, as well as the usage of long-lasting materials. She noted that our prototype’s small design and reliance on existing dock systems reduce structural risk and make the process of getting permits in most areas. Additionally, she recommended creating a universal mounting system for ease of use among different sizes and suggested covering any internal electronics from weather and water. This consultation helped solidify the feasability of our prototype and its implementations.
Competitor Comparison
Our system is superior to existing ones because it is affordable, easily installable, and designed for small-scale implementation, unlike competitors like Eco Wave Power, which builds expensive infrastructure for large, central grids. Our design is a practical renewable energy that gives accessibility to everyone without a large investment.
Our product’s main component is the Arduino, which is a microcontroller. For our purpose, The arduino will be used to communicate with the other parts of our product and control everything by taking various inputs. For one, it will communicate with the DC Motor to transmit the speed at which it should go. Additionally, it will communicate with the DC voltage reader. The voltage reader, specifically the HiLetgo Voltage Detection Module is being implemented into our product because of its high voltage reading capabilities, being able to read up to 25 volts. We used this in contrast with the Arduino, which only measures up to 5 volts. The voltage reader works by using an internal voltage divider that it has to scale down the voltage input 5:1. This is then inputted into the arduino, which converts it back up 1:5 so that it returns accurate readings.
A very important part of our product is the conversion of AC voltage into DC voltage. AC voltage naturally travels in two directions, so to solve this issue, we decided to create our own 3 Three-Phase Bridge Rectifier. The rectifier first takes the three AC voltage inputs into three different diodes. Then, because the direction is continuously changing, it takes a positive from one of the positive diodes, and a negative from one of the other three negative diodes, and by always rotating between them, gives a continuous flow of DC voltage. The DC voltage that outputs is then passed through a different component called a Smoothing Capacitor. A smoothing Capacitor, specifically the Nichicon KA capacitor, works in conjunction with the rectifier. It’s purpose is to reduce the fluctuation of the voltage outputted. It works by taking the peak output from the Rectifier and fully charging the capacitor. When the output of the rectifier drops, the smoothing capacitor releases the power slowly, supplying a constant amount of power. This fills the gaps that the lone rectifier would have pulsed out.
To conclude, the total aim of this project is to bring it to floating pile docks across the world. Our product’s best potential lies in coastal ports like those in Europe where there is large wave movement from the ocean, or constant wave movement created by the movements of boats as seen in the image. Our market capture estimations included factoring in the total marinas across North America/Europe, the percentage of marinas using floating pile docks, and the estimated average number of pile slips per marina. Additionally, we finalized our product cost to $850 after estimating a 2.125x return on a $450 Cost per Unit. We also reached to a base of $1000 for installation, wiath an additional $75 per unit installed. Our innovative product is a scalable alternative to previous hydroelectric generation forms and large, impractical energy systems. It also reduces environmental impact and saves money for marina owners, providing a reliable energy source. Ultimately, the system we are proposing has the potential to revolutionize the energy generation industry worldwide.
"Recent Trends in Hydroelectric Power Technology." American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER), vol. 5, no. 11, 2022, pp. 262-267. AJER, https://www.ajer.org/papers/v5%2811%29/ZI05110262267.pdf Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Arduino. “Arduino Hardware.” Arduino, https://www.arduino.cc/en/hardware. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
"ELEGOO MEGA 2560 R3 Board ATmega2560 + USB Cable Compatible with Arduino." Amazon, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HTC4XKY. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Williams, Paul. "Learn the Basics of a 3-Phase Rectifier." The Engineering Mindset, 26 Apr. 2022, https://theengineeringmindset.com/learn-the-basics-of-a-3-phase-rectifier/. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
"How Three Phase Electricity Works - The basics explained." YouTube, uploaded by The Engineering Mindset, 19 May 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMLoH4iUGCQ. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
"10 of the Most Spectacular Superyacht Marinas in Europe." Yacht Harbour, https://yachtharbour.com/news/10-of-the-most-spectacular-superyacht-marinas-in-europe-3245. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
"Marinas in the US - Market Size 2005–2029." IBISWorld, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-size/marinas/1654/. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
"Floating Docks Market Report." Transparency Market Research, https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/floating-docks-market-report.html. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Kaswan, David, and Nathaly Haratz Kaswan. “Architectural Proffesional Interview for BlueMotion.” 20 Apr. 2025.
