Wave energy propels Australian manufacturing as new project sets sail

A new R&D project between Australian Composites Manufacturing (ACM CRC), Ocius Technology and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is set to optimise the use of wave energy for propulsion, harnessing energy for underwater flippers for unmanned surface vessels (USVs).

Bluebottle-class USVs are innovative autonomous solutions developed by Ocius for continuous maritime surveillance. The technology has applications across oil and gas, security and scientific research, and is enhancing a range of maritime defence missions such as mine clearance, patrolling, environmental monitoring and search and rescue operations.

As unmanned ocean vessels, it is imperative that USVs operate efficiency in the water at all times and navigate safely in open ocean transport channels. As a fully renewable surface vessel powered by solar, wind and wave energy, the Ocius Bluebottle is currently operating well but has limitations when used in strong winds.

The wave energy used by the Bluebottle is facilitated by a fibre reinforced laminated composite rudder, or ‘flipper’, at the front of the vessel, which provides passive thrust. This ACM CRC project aims to design and manufacture the next generation composite flipper for these vessels, for optimal propulsion thus operation even in the toughest weather conditions and no matter what the state of the sea.

“The tailorable stiffness of composite materials provides a unique opportunity to achieve additional thrust from flapping and morphing structures. Our R&D project exemplifies the CRC’s vision to unite its composite industry partners with ACM’s world-class academic researchers and deliver innovation at the forefront in automated manufacturing of advanced composites”, said Professor Ganga Prusty, Director of Research at ACM CRC.

Indeed, the project will leverage an innovative automated manufacturing procedure, integrating multidisciplinary techniques including scientific computing, optimisation, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

Robert Dane, CEO of Ocius, is enthusiastic about the possibilities of this project with the company already having a strong history in conceiving, funding and delivering difficult, innovative, high-tech, award-winning projects with remarkable outcomes.

“Ocius is excited about working with UNSW and the ACM CRC on this project”, he said. “The 'rudder flipper' came out of biomimicry and was developed by trial and error into a third method of propulsion on a Bluebottle Uncrewed Surface Vessel besides sun and wind. It also acts as a 'sea anchor' in bad weather pointing the bow into high seas which can go on for days. So the flipper needs to have properties of strength, resilience and memory and this 3-year project with ACM CRC will put scientific rigor around the design and manufacture and turn it into a real 'superpower'.”

Simulation technology development could also be applied to aero and hydrodynamic simulation of composite structures, such as surfboards, with improved efficiency of design and manufacturing guidance for robust flippers and similar products putting Australia at the forefront in smart and automated manufacturing.

“...this 3-year project with ACM CRC will put scientific rigor around the design and manufacture and turn it into a real 'superpower'."

Robert Dane

CEO, Ocius