About the project
In this project you will explore novel wave energy harvesting systems for maritime robotic systems, such as Autonomous Surface and Underwater Vehicles (ASVs and AUVs).
These systems are a key enabling technology for the blue economy. However, powering long endurance systems is a challenge, currently requiring sufficient batteries or periodical recharging (and redeployment) from an expensive research vessel.
To reduce the emissions and the costs associated with these vehicles, you will explore the performance of novel, renewable, wave energy harvesting approaches. Here the research ambition is to extend the state of art from small scale sensor networks (nW’s to mW’s), towards a vehicular scale (W’s to kW’s) and self-sustainable systems. Ultimately, reducing the costs associated with exploration of remote, extreme maritime environments by realising self-powered robotic systems which recover the ambient wave power without emissions.
In this project you will have the opportunity to explore and develop novel renewable energy harvesting systems and devise and develop new modelling approaches and conduct experimental investigations.
Throughout your PhD, working collaboratively with an industrial partner, you will be based in the Maritime Engineering group at the University of Southampton. You will have access to an array of hydrodynamics facilities including the 138x6x3.5m University of Southampton Boldrewood towing tank, the largest academic tank in the UK and first new facility of its kind for 50 years. In addition to networking opportunities and training through our existing doctorate training programmes and the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI).
