Sea-wave-powered electric generator

The problem

Renewable energy in Jordan relies on sun and wind, while the sea is almost ignored as an energy source — even though waves work day and night in every season, unlike the sun, which sets at night. Coastal areas and islands far from the grid also need an independent, continuous power source.

How it works

1. CaptureThe buoy follows the water surface, rising and falling with each wave.
2. ConversionA taut cable winds around a pulley, converting vertical motion into rotation.
3. GenerationThe pulley turns a DC motor working as a generator, producing a varying current.
4. StorageA rectifier and charging circuit regulates the current and stores it in the battery.
5. MeasurementPosition, current, and voltage sensors send their readings to the controller.
6. DisplayThe screen shows instantaneous power and cumulative energy.

Project features

• It combines mechanics, electricity, and programming in one project, showing depth of understanding.
• Measurable numeric results (voltage, current, and power) that are easy to document in the report.
• Renewable energy is a topic defense committees value highly.
• It can be tested in a small water tank without needing the sea.
• A rare field locally: most energy projects tackle solar, and few tackle wave power.

Expected challenges

These are the main obstacles to expect during the build, laid out clearly so you know them before you start.

• Protecting the generator and electronics from spray and moisture — the main reason the project stalls.
• The motion produces a varying, irregular current that needs rectification and regulation.
• Friction in the pulley system consumes part of the energy.
• Calibrating the position sensor against the actual wave height.
• The power from a small model is limited; the goal is proof of principle, not powering a house.

The consultation gives you a solution for each one.

Expected committee questions

Prepare your answers in advance: these questions come up often in defenses of similar projects.

1. How is the waves' up-and-down motion converted into rotation for the generator?
2. How much power did the model produce, and what can be expected at full scale?
3. Why was a rectifier circuit needed, and how is the battery charged from a fluctuating voltage?
4. How was the system tested without a real sea?

Practice the defense, question by question