Title:

Wave-Powered Water Pump - Ocean Field Deployment

The UNH student designed Wave-Powered Water Pump is a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) upwelling device. By utilizing relative motion of the two main floats, a piston and check valves create pumped flow. This effect has the potential to bring nutrients and colder water to the surface, which enhances the productivity of macroalgae. Improvements were made to the Wave Pump device, in preparation for an ocean field deployment. Sensors were added to measure its performance in a variety of ocean wave conditions. A lidar sensor was added to measure the relative motion of the main floats. A flow meter in a custom-made housing was installed to measure the amount of pumped water. The data and GPS time were and recorded in a solar-powered DAQ. Environmental monitoring sensors were also used during the deployment. These included a Sofar Spotter buoy to monitor wave and weather conditions, two hydrophones, and motion-triggered cameras. The R/V Gulf Challenger deployed the Wave Pump device in March 2023 on a Shoals Marine Laboratory mooring located off Appledore Island, ME. Preliminary data indicates device performance and responsiveness in various wave conditions. Future work includes quantifying performance metrics, validating a numerical model of the device, iterating the design based on the results, and further analysis of the environmental monitoring data.

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