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This hydrokinetic energy harvester project demonstrates Derecktor Design’s composite engineering and fabrication expertise.
In partnership with Brown University and our sister company, BluSource Energy, Derecktor Marine Technology developed and launched two prototype hydrokinetic energy harvesters. Our project used a novel technology with oscillating hydrofoils. The Department of Energy’s ARPA-e program provided funding. Both field tests (1 and 2 kW prototypes) worked as designed or better, and the project was a complete success.
Brown University proposed a way to harvest energy from flowing water with oscillating hydrofoils. Similar to a fish fin or bat wing, the hydrofoils heave up and down and pitch their angles of attack. Through simulation and experiment, researchers at Brown University found a motion which optimizes the energy capture rate from flowing water. BluSource Energy designed the mechanics and electronics to convert that motion into electricity. Derecktor Marine Technology fabricated and assembled the two 1 kW energy harvesters.
Derecktor Marine Technology designed and built the catamaran-style test vessel to meet the dynamic loads experienced by the oscillating hydrofoils. Lovingly called “Joule”, the vessel is 35 ft long with a 12 ft beam. It was moored in the Cape Cod Canal for several weeks while researchers collected performance data.
The project consisted of teams from Brown University, BluSource, Derecktor Marine Technology, Wellesley College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and VOLPE Center for Transportation. Communication was key to executing on this complex, one-of-a-kind experiment.
Above, you will see a video of the Leading Edge device operating underwater in 2016. The device performed admirably in the Cape Cod Canal, and no debris was ever found to be on the hydrofoils after each tidal cycle. The Striped Bass in the video showed no hesitation swimming next to the generators in operation.