Abstract
Renewable energy is becoming more and more important in our day to day lives. A lot of natural processes are already being used to generate energy. Yet perhaps the greatest source, being the ocean waves, is still relatively untapped. The first part of this thesis is a literature study that provides an overview of the existing techniques in the context of wave energy. This starts with summary of systems that actively capture wave energy. This is followed by an overview of systems that convert this captured mechanical energy into electrical energy and the control strategies that exist for this. A wave energy converter is designed. The waves are captured using a pendulum, which proves to be effective in capturing wave energy. The power take-off unit that is designed can convert an oscillation into a rotation. The mechanism consists of two counter rotating axes which, with the help of some freewheels, drive an electrical generator. The model was build using wood, steel and 3D printed pieces. The model is then tested both on the ground and in the water where both the speed and power to be achieved are examined. The center of gravity is also determined. Finally, it is examined how the model can be improved in the future. This can be done by using more robust materials and mechanical engineering techniques.