TEAMER: University of Massachusetts Dartmouth - Numerical simulation and analysis of the MADWEC wave energy converter

This project provides technical assistance to the development of a wave energy converter (WEC) device developed at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The device is called MADWEC, which stands for maximal asymmetric drag wave energy converter. It is a point absorber device designed to be low-cost, low-maintenance, and easily deployable. Guided by cost-saving initiatives, MADWEC uses several “off-the-shelf” parts, including a regular garage door spring, commercially available one-way clutch and electric generators, etc. Through computational simulations, this project will help optimize the tethered ballast system, investigate the performance of MADWEC under linear waves, and estimate its power output.