Sttr phase I: empowering oceanic intelligence with unlimited marine energy

The National Science Foundation awarded Hydrokinetx Corporation $304,950 on July 1, 2026, under the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program (CFDA 47.084) for a Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project investigating ocean wave energy conversion to power autonomous maritime sensing platforms.

The project investigates high-power-density wave energy conversion mechanisms—specifically electromagnetic induction and pressure-volume-work pathways—to enable compact, wave-powered autonomous sensing systems. The primary objective is to determine the feasibility of achieving scalable electrical power outputs up to 100 watts within small-form-factor systems. The work addresses a critical gap in maritime sensing: current sensors depend on batteries or solar panels that often fail in remote areas or cloudy conditions, limiting data collection duration and mission length. The research applies integrated analytical and computational modeling to characterize wave-to-electric energy conversion, followed by design trade studies to identify high-performance configurations. Benchtop prototypes will be fabricated and experimentally evaluated under representative loading and simulated sea states to validate the models. If successful, these systems could operate for extended periods without frequent maintenance or battery replacements, improving maritime activity monitoring, coastal infrastructure protection, and ambient environmental tracking.

Performance occurs in Arnolds Park, Iowa through June 30, 2027. The award is structured as a project grant.

Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this small business technology transfer (STTR) phase I project is in addressing a critical challenge in maritime sensing: the lack of long-lasting, reliable power for ocean monitoring. Currently, many sensors depend on batteries or solar panels, which often fail in remote areas or cloudy conditions. This limitation restricts how much data can be collected and how long missions can last. Using ocean wave energy, the project investigates how to provide a higher-output power source for small, autonomous sensing platforms. If successful, these systems could operate for extended periods without the need for frequent maintenance or battery replacements. The research aims to improve the ability to monitor maritime activity, protect coastal infrastructure, and track ambient changes. By advancing wave energy conversion technology, this project supports national interests in ocean observation, scientific innovation, and coastal resilience. This research investigates high-power-density ocean wave energy conversion (WEC) mechanisms?specifically electromagnetic induction and pressure-volume-work pathways?to enable compact, wave-powered autonomous sensing platforms. The primary objective is to determine the feasibility of achieving scalable electrical power outputs up to 100 W within small-form-factor systems. The intellectual merit of this work lies in advancing WEC technology through the optimization of design parameters, conversion efficiencies, and dynamic energy transfer control for maritime applications. The methodology utilizes integrated analytical and computational modeling to characterize wave-to-electric energy conversion, followed by rigorous design trade studies to identify high-performance configurations. To validate these models, benchtop prototypes will be fabricated and experimentally evaluated under representative loading and simulated sea states, measuring empirical energy capture and end-to-end conversion efficiency. The resulting feasibility data and verified performance estimates will provide a technical framework for developing persistent maritime domain awareness (MDA) platforms. By overcoming the energy density limitations of current small-scale wecs, this research offers a path toward self-sustaining, long-endurance oceanographic and defense sensing capabilities that are independent of battery capacity or solar availability. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.