Capture
A wave energy converter using a flap to respond to the mechanical motion of incoming ocean waves.
CSalt Project 01 · 2024–2025
Wave Energy Converter Powering Reverse Osmosis Desalination
Harnessing the motion of ocean waves to create the pressure needed for reverse osmosis to produce fresh water.
495,000gallons per day per unit
28units in the Guam deployment concept
2025Best Technical Design award
The big idea
Fresh water, driven directly by waves
CSalt’s first major project explored how ocean wave energy could be harnessed to power reverse osmosis desalination. The team designed and developed a wave energy converter capable of turning the mechanical energy of ocean waves into the high-pressure flow required for reverse osmosis.
The goal was to produce fresh water without relying on conventional grid-powered systems. By translating wave-driven motion directly into pressure with no necessary conversion to electricity first. The concept eliminated conversion losses and reduced potential failure points.
One integrated system
From wave motion to membrane filtration
Students across multiple disciplines developed a system spanning energy capture, high-pressure pumping, and desalination.
Pressurize
Direct mechanical pressurization converts that movement into high-pressure seawater flow.
Filter
Pressurized water passes through reverse osmosis membranes to produce fresh water.
Designed for Guam
A case study grounded in a real water challenge
The team focused on Guam, conducting detailed market and feasibility analysis around the island’s water scarcity challenges and the potential for wave-powered desalination to provide a reliable, sustainable supplement to its freshwater supply.
At full scale, each unit was designed to produce up to 495,000 gallons of fresh water per day. A systemwide deployment of 28 units was scaled to help meet the rise in water demand expected from Guam’s population growth over the next 25 years.
Design · Experiment · Test
Building WECDesal
Follow the system from early digital models to fabricated components and the physical prototype.
2025
Marine Energy Collegiate Competition
Best Technical Design
Through design, experimentation, and testing, the team investigated the feasibility of combining marine energy and desalination into a more sustainable approach to freshwater production. CSalt’s business plan, technical design, and testing work culminated in the award for Best Technical Design at the 2025 Marine Energy Collegiate Competition. Special thanks to our 2025-2026 advisor Prof. Maha Haji and her research group for their guidance and support throughout the project.
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