Ocean Energy
Department of Marine and Environmental Systems – Ocean Engineering
Dr. Stephen Wood & Mechanical and Ocean Engineering Students
Deployment off of Fort Pierce Florida
1st Prototype Design Specifications
Objective
Create an ocean wave energy device that will harness energy from
ocean waves using a single hinge that simultaneously extracts
energy from:
• Large swell waves, using the hinged contour device such as the
Pelamis
• Small gravity waves, using the Salter Duck
Overall Design length: 14.2 ft
Design width (including ducks): 8 ft
Design weight: 240 lbs
Turbine type: Pelton Wheel
Number of subsections: 2
Length: 5 ft
Number of Ducks: 4
Duck length: 3 ft
Duck width: 1 ft
Duck height: 1.5 ft
Range of motion for the Hinge: 60°
Range of motion of the Duck: 360°
Hydraulic Cylinders: 2
Hydraulic Cylinder diameter: 2” and 3”
Hydraulic Cylinder Stroke: 6” and 8”
Expansion tank: 2.1 gallons with 8” outer diameter
Salter Duck Manufacturing
Cut out of foam using a hot wire cutter, layered with
fiberglass and resin, sanded, and painted by Maaco
Auto Paining.
Pelamis (Pelamis Wave Power)
Salter Duck (Ryan)
Duck Power Generation
A cam system is used to extract energy from the
Salter duck. The cam rotates, pushing the
hydraulic rod and moving the fluid in the hydraulic
cylinder.
Design Criteria
This system is designed for the wave forces shown below:
Largest Wave of 2008
Salter Duck
Cylindrical Body
Vertical
Force (N)
Horizontal
Force (N)
Vertical
Force (N)
Horizontal
Force (N)
1237
1526
433
22
Maximum Design Force (N)
Maximum Design Force (lb-f)
2398
539
Duck Development and Testing
2nd Prototype Design
Deployed June 2011
Floating, 1 – 2 miles offshore
(3) 10 foot long sections
2 hinges
(4) Arms with Ducks attached
Moored to Ocean Floor

Manufactured for structural support
Hinge Manufacturing
The hinge was designed with no pinch points. Layers
were cut out on the CNC Mill with Starboard Plastic.
The hinge was then sanded and assembled.
Ducks:
• Fiberglass Shelling
• Ribbing- Wood
• Sand Counter weights
• Stainless Steel Shaft
Hydraulic and Maneuverability Test
• Successfully drew in and pumped hydraulic fluid
through system creating up to 45 psi of pressure.
• Leaks occurred only at the air pressure regulator
• Full 60°maneuverability of Hinge
• Only 180° maneuverability of Salter Duck
• In an actual wave setting with an average wave period
of about 5 seconds, the system would be able to
generate 10 psi in about 15-20 seconds.

Pelton Wheel Test
• Water through a standard nozzle and a multi setting
nozzle was applied to the Pelton wheel.
• Readings from the alternator ranged from 9.8 to 11
volts.

House hydraulics
Aligned on a track system
Hinge Power Generation
A pulley cable system is used to extract energy from
the up and down motion of the center hinge. The
cables cause the hydraulic rod to move up and
down moving the fluid.
Joints:
• Aluminum & Delrin
• High Strength
• Non-Pinching
• Easily Disassembled
Generator
printed by
www.postersession.com
A Pelton wheel is used as the turbine and an
alternator is used as the generator. Hydraulic
oil flows through a nozzle onto the Pelton
Wheel and the rotations turns the alternator to
create energy.
References
Deployment and Installation
Pelamis Wave Power. Pelamis Wave Power LTD 20 February 2009
<http://www.pelamiswave.com/content.php?id=161>.
Ryan, V. “The Salter Duck.” 2005. 10 July 2009
<http://www.technologystudent.com/energy1/tidal7.htm>.
OCS Alternative Energy and Alternative Use Program EIS (OCS). 2008. 20 June 2009
<http://ocsenergy.anl.gov/>.