The University of Hawaii Advances Wave Energy Research Through DOE’s TEAMER Program

The University of Hawaii (UH) has made significant progress in wave energy research thanks to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Testing Expertise and Access for Marine Energy Research (TEAMER) program.

TEAMER, facilitated by the Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO), has enabled UH to test and refine two oscillating water column (OWC) technologies, pushing the boundaries of wave-powered solutions for ocean observation and shoreline protection.

Advancing AUV Docking with Project Hālona

The first UH-tested OWC project, Project Hālona, aims to support autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) docking and charging. Inspired by Oahu’s Hālona blowhole, the device utilizes a vertical “straw” mechanism to generate electricity through internal water reverberations.

“Think of the core of the device being a straw floating vertically in water. The internal water surface in the straw reverberates because of how the wave is restricted at the bottom opening,” explained Nicholas Ulm, UH PhD Student and Founder of Hawaii Ocean Power Solutions (HOPS).

Hālona prioritizes stability and efficiency for reliable AUV docking and charging, distinguishing itself from traditional wave energy devices focused solely on power generation.

Integrating Wave Energy into Coastal Protection

The second OWC project focuses on developing a breakwater system that incorporates wave energy extraction. This curtain pile breakwater design aims to reduce construction costs while promoting environmental benefits by allowing natural water and marine life flow.

Preliminary tests at UH paved the way for larger-scale testing supported by TEAMER, with plans to evaluate the breakwater’s functionality and power production capabilities using ten one-meter-wide OWC chambers at Oregon State’s wave basin in early 2025.

Scaling Up for the Future

Looking ahead, UH plans to collaborate with HOPS on building a larger Hālona prototype for ocean testing in Hawaii, integrated with an experimental power take-off system. This advancement could inform the development of the OWC breakwater system, bringing the technology closer to commercialization.

TEAMER continues to support marine energy projects, with recent approvals and allocations totaling nearly $1.9 million for testing, modeling, and innovation. The addition of the Bourne Tidal Test Site (BTTS) as a new open-water testing facility further expands opportunities for marine energy research.