The Wave Carpet: Development of a Submerged Pressure Differential Wave Energy Converter

Inspired by the natural phenomenon of strong attenuation of oceanic surface waves by muddy seafloors, the Theoretical and Applied Fluid Dynamics Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, has recently investigated a mud-resembling synthetic compliant seabed carpet (so called Wave Carpet), composed of linear springs and generators, that can be used as an efficient wave energy conversion device. Wave Carpet has a theoretical efficiency of unity and a broad bandwidth of high performance. It is also omnidirectional, and since it sits under the water surface it is highly survivable against the high momentum of storm waves, while at the same time poses minimal danger to the sealife as well as minimal visual pollution. Here we present a basic analytical model, development and optimization of a scaled prototype for the wave tank test, and the experimental results and discussions. Experimental results positively endorse the wave carpet’s capability to absorb and convert wave energy efficiently in different wave conditions. Wave Carpet is classified as a submerged pressure-differential wave energy converter.