Research Symposium

BIO

Hello! My name is Joseph Mollica, I am an undergraduate studying exercise physiology and doing research in the field of electrical engineering. I aspire to perform research at a doctoral level in the field of exercise physiology, I specifically want to go into research regarding supplements and performance-enhancing drugs to create a safer space for people wanting to improve their life.

Energy Harvesting for Underwater Gliders

Abstract

Seagliders are autonomous underwater vehicles that collect data about the ocean. This includes information about temperature, conductivity, currents, and depth. They function by traveling in sine-like wave patterns, traveling deep into the ocean while collecting water, and then using energy to release the water as they travel back to the surface, where they transmit information back to the mainland. These gliders can go for missions that last up to months at a time. In order for these missions to endure, sea gliders must use a relatively low amount of energy to operate their mechanical and computing devices. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are materials that can absorb and release energy by changing their states (e.g., transitioning from solid to liquid). Some common examples of PCMs include coconut oil, paraffin, and even ice packs. This research project tests different PCMs in controlled experiments to gauge their energy harvesting capabilities and real-world applications in the field of underwater surveying.

Keywords: Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Underwater Gliders