Bicycle Driven Wave Energy Conveter Prototype
Low Cost Bicycle Wave Energy Converter Prototype
G&J Wave Energy's first project was to construct a wave energy converter using low cost readily available materials with the hope of developing a means for small coastal communities, with limited resources, to generate green energy. G&J Wave Energy constructed a prototype out of readily available components by using discarded barrels, old bicycle parts, and a small automotive alternator. The only exception was that an air cylinder and small compressor were purchased online for the project.
Though the design was able to generate a small amount of electrical energy, testing showed that in order to generate a usable amount of energy, a different and more robust powertrain would be required. As an option, building this wave energy converter with a powertrain consisting of a used tractor or small truck parts, would be a better alternative and provide a powertrain more suited to handle the torque and forces needed to power a small alternator. A used hydraulic piston and accumulator off a piece of farm or other used equipment could be used in place of the air cylinder and compressor.
This project was an important and informative endeavor leading to the development of the current 70 Watt wave energy converter low cost design prototype.