Application of Wave Devouring Propulsion System for Ocean Engineering

A Wave Devouring Propulsion System (WDPS) is a device that generates thrust directly from wave power while simultaneously generating significant damping force. A relatively simple WDPS design consists of hydrofoils mounted below the bow of a vessel. If a WDPS is integrated with the hull of a vessel, it can power the vessel forward, even against the wave direction itself. One example of a successful WDPS was installed on the vessel named Mermaid II that successfully completed a trans-Pacific voyage in 2008, traveling approximately 7,800 km from Hawaii to Japan using wave power alone. This success indicates that WDPS has potential for use in the field of ocean engineering. In this paper, we will explore two possible applications. The first of the two WDPS applications we will discuss is a small autonomous controlled WDPS design and its associated sea trial. The second is an application of basic research into active type WDPS design. This active system improves WDPS performance in waves and acts as a new energy absorber. Fig. 1 WDPS vessel Mermaid II beginning its historical trans-Pacific voyage from Hawaii to Japan 1) Professor 2) Associated Professor