Yuan Zhen Cai
Yuan Zhen Cai
Thesis Topic
Development of a mechanical tensioner for wave energy harvesting
PhD Start Date
January 2021
PhD End Date
September 2025
COMPLETED THESIS
PhD Project Objectives
The efficient and cost-effective conversion of wave energy into electrical energy has remained an unsolved technological challenge. In collaboration with Carnegie Clean Energy Limited and Advanced Composite Structures Australia, this project attempts to develop a novel fibre reinforced plastic mooring tensioner for Wave Energy Converters (WEC). This project will focus on establishing a deeper understanding of the durability and fatigue aspects of such a large composite mooring tensioner. The project will also investigate benefits and opportunities similar mooring tensioners could provide to other areas of the blue economy.
Congratulations to our latest PhD graduate!
Richard’s thesis on ‘Development of a mechanical tensioner for wave energy harvesting’ in collaboration with Carnegie Clean Energy and Advanced Composite Structures Australia, aimed to enhance the energy conversion efficiency of the mooring tensioner for Wave Energy Converters (WEC). His research addressed four critical research gaps needing to be overcome to deploy composite mooring tensioners successfully. Overall, Richard’s project has made significant contributions towards the development of the first commercial application of a composite mooring tensioner.
On behalf of the Blue Economy CRC, we not only congratulate Richard on the successful completion of his PhD, but to his contribution to our education and training program, his fellow PhDs and his joyful involvement in our annual Participants Workshops.
As we heard from Yuanzhen on his time with the Blue Economy CRC…
“It is an amazing journey to experience the connection between industry and academia. Only the Blue Economy CRC can offer this type of unique experience and learning opportunities.”
He will be a missed member of our team and we wish him the best in his future endeavours!
Biography
I have completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical and Material Engineering at The University of Queensland. I have discovered my interest in fibre reinforced plastics during my internship, where I worked in the R&D department of Zoomlion and was involved in the development of composites crane booms. Following this passion, I have also designed the spoiler which helped UQ racing team win the 2nd place in Australian FSAE competition in 2019. I gained hands-on composite manufacture skills at PARTEC as part of my work with the UQ Racing Team. I am excited to be involved in the development of new technologies in this project for the future of renewable energy. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, cooking different types of food, training at gym and playing basketball.
Supervisory Team
Primary Supervisor: Dr. Michael Heitzmann
The University of Queensland
Co-Supervisor: Dr. Martin Veidt
The University of Queensland
Research Advisor: Rodney Thomson
ACS-A
2024 Participants Workshop Poster
As part of the 2024 Participants Workshop, our PhD Scholars exhibited a poster on their research.
