Coastal Currents

Background

Around 70% of the Earth’s surface consists of ocean water, and hydroelectricity only accounts for around 6% of the United States' energy utility. So, investment in hydroelectric energy production in the ocean environment would lead to higher energy sustainability and reduce climate change. Currently, ocean-wave energy generators are only being used in large scales, are extremely costly, and only add to major power grids. This leaves a sizeable number of potential consumers without a product to accommodate their needs. Specifically, coastal residents currently don't have the means to utilize small scale hydroelectric energy. The scope of Coastal Current's wave-energy generator is to prove that this novel form of power generation from ocean waves is feasible on a small scale.

Goals and Objectives

Goals / Stakeholder Needs and Expectations
- Minimum 30% efficiency
- Generate enough electricity to power a mobile phone (5W)
- $500 budget
- Shipping box sized
- Coastal residential usage
Milestones
- 1/31/25 - Decision Matrix Developed
- 2/7/25 - Prototype Design Chosen
- 1/14/25 - Initial Design and Mockup
- 1/21/25 - Initial Bill of Materials for Proof of Concept
- 1/24/25-2/7/25 - Assembly and Manufacturing Begins
- 2/14/25 - Proof of Concept for Winter Design Review
- 5/2/25 - Version 1 Functionality Verification
- 5/9/25 - Integrating Optimization Solutions
- 6/6/25 - Completed Documentation
- 6/6/25 - Final Showcase