WUT students with a grant for the construction of a power plant prototype

The goal of the project is to develop a physical model of a wave energy power plant and analyze its efficiency using a specially designed measurement system. The final outcome of the project will be a functioning prototype, which will allow the team to conduct measurements and evaluate potential applications. Due to the fact that the designed system is a laboratory prototype, the movement of ocean waves will be simulated by a properly controlled electric actuator.

"Concepts for systems designed to harness energy from ocean waves have been developed for several decades, but not to the same extent as wind or solar energy. That is why we decided to create an original prototype, to carry out efficiency studies on it. Ocean wave energy holds great potential, and our project will contribute to the development and popularization of such solutions in the power engineering sector" explains Jan Bujalski, the project coordinator.

What exactly is the team working on?

The laboratory prototype of the wave energy power plant is an innovative device that utilizes the kinetic energy of ocean waves to generate electricity. The energy conversion takes place through floats, which, by rising on the waves, transfer the periodic motion of the waves to a piston that drives the system being investigated. The piston, by applying pressure to the hydraulic fluid in the apparatus’s pipes, will cause it to flow, which will ultimately be used to drive a turbine. This will enable the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy through the use of a generator.

“To harness fluid flow in both directions, two turbines will be installed on separate pipelines connected by check valves. The prototype will be constructed from cast iron and steel pipes, as well as PEX tubing, all joined with appropriate components. The entire structure will be supported by aluminum profiles. We will simulate the movement of the float using an electric actuator, allowing us to model waves of varying heights and periods. The piston and the inner lining of the pipe in which it operates will be made of Teflon to ensure a tight seal while minimizing friction. The system will be equipped with high-precision sensors to measure key parameters such as fluid flow through the generator, pressure, temperature, electrical energy generation, and mechanical energy demand,” explains Jan Bujalski.

Currently, the project involves four people: Jan Bujalski – project coordinator, Tadeusz Pilecki, Michał Ślusarski, and Oliwia Narajczyk. All are members of the KNE Power Engineers Student Research Group at the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering, under the supervision of Łukasz Cieślikiewicz, MSc.

The project will contribute to the development of renewable energy, particularly in the underdeveloped sector harnessing ocean wave energy. At the same time, it will allow students to develop skills in system design and modeling, as well as in carrying out transitional work. The project’s outcomes will not only contribute to technological advancement but also promote the university and its research potential.

The work on the prototype power plant can be divided into several stages. The team is working on the construction of the hydraulic and mechanical systems, as well as the assembly of the entire system, the implementation of the measurement equipment, and the monitoring of system parameters. The final stage of the work will involve the analysis and interpretation of the measurement results. The project is expected to be completed by August 20, 2025.

The full list of winners is available on the organizer's website.