AWARD-WINNING MACHINE: A group of researchers from University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), led by Associate Professor Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, has produced a machine that generates electricity from wave energy.
Named UMT Evo Wave Power (UEWP), this is the first such machine to be made by Malaysians, using a wave energy conversion system designed by members of the university’s School of Ocean Engineering.
The project, funded by a grant from the Education Ministry, took more than two years to develop and complete.
The system was tested off a beach near the university campus in Kuala Terengganu.
Zamri, who introduced the machine to the media recently, said the success of the UEWP generator will benefit many market segments, as electricity will be made more widely available and its cost may be reduced by up to 99 per cent.
“This will especially help those who reside on islands and also the fishermen whose fishing boats use lights and refrigerators,” he said.
“It can also be used to act as a wave breaker that will help prevent the problem of coastal erosion around the country.
“It can even be a useful teaching tool for energy-related subjects under electrical, marine and mechanical engineering.”
Mohd Zamri added that the machine would be viable for use here in view of the country’s long coastline.
The prototype has been patented by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Espacenet and the Japan Patent Office.
Among the international fairs and exhibitions which saw its participation, the invention received the gold medal from the SCITEX (Science & Technology Invention & Innovation Exhibition) 2013 and silver medal from the ITEX (International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition) 2014.
It was also awarded a gold medal at the International Trade Fairs Ideas 2013 in Germany.