Wave Pump Application, Development and Optimization

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The project aims at building a second generation prototype of the wave pump developed recently by our team of researchers. The first of its kind in Canada, this simple yet innovative device is meant for pumping sea water to on shore locations for a variety of applications; including aquaculture, power generation, desalination, air conditioning, etc. The device has received favorable reviews from several national and international groups such as Canadian Geographic, Journal of Ocean Technology, etc. The completion of the first generation prototype in 2007 was a trial, based on the minimal theory and mathematical approximations available. A prototype (1/4 scale, 5Ls-1) pump has been built and is undergoing field testing at Lord's Cove NL. In addition, a 1/16 scale model has been built for laboratory testing at NRC's Institute for Ocean Technology in St. John's NL. The laboratory tests and field trials of the first prototype, showed encouraging results, identifying as well, certain imperatives in design modifications. The development of a second generation prototype, through this proposed initiative, will focus on refining the design and addressing fabrication issues that surfaced in the first model. More specifically, we will be: (i) Developing a refined mathematical model of pump action under renewed set of observations (ii) Building a modified prototype in our workshops (iii) Planning a comprehensive testing protocol for laboratory and field trials (iv) Perform an economic analysis on the commercialization of the technology, forecasting future benefits of this renewable energy device for on-shore communities. The project's main site will be the Burin Campus of College of the North Atlantic. Laboratory test will be conducted at the NRC Institute of Ocean Technologies St. John's NL. Field trails are planned at our test site in Lord's Cove, NL. The research is a cooperative venture comprising of the College, community groups, and industry partners.