Design and development of an autonomous wave-powered boat with a wave devouring propulsion system

Abstract

This paper describes the design, development, and experiments of an autonomous wave-powered boat with a wave devouring propulsion system (WDPS). The WDPS consists of two fins (hydrofoils) below the bow of the boat. They generate thrust force directly from wave power and reduce roll and pitch motion of the boat in the waves. As described herein, first we performed numerical analysis and a preliminary experiment to design the hull form and the WDPS. Based on the analysis and experimentally obtained results, we designed and developed a prototype autonomous wave-powered boat. We also developed electrically powered systems such as a navigation, control, and wireless communication system for the boat. Moreover, we experimentally tested the performance of the developed boat in a test tank and in a coastal sea area. The experimentally obtained results indicate that the developed wave-powered boat can be a useful tool for ocean observation.