Feasibility of a multidimensional wave energy harvester

Anthony Fowler; Sam Behrens

doi:10.1117/12.847753

9 April 2010 Feasibility of a multidimensional wave energy harvester

Anthony Fowler, Sam Behrens

Proceedings Volume 7643, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2010; 76431D (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.847753
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Wave motions represent a source of substantial untapped energy. Given the current interest in renewable power, research continues into the development of wave energy harvesting devices. An evaluation of existing wave energy harvester designs has shown that there are a number of different methods typically used to carry out the mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion process. A common observation is that existing designs only use a subset of possible wave motions to generate electrical energy; while heaving motions are commonly used, other forms of translational and rotational motion such as swaying, pitching and rolling remain unutilised. This paper evaluates the feasibility of a multidimensional wave energy harvester that is able to harvest electrical energy using six degrees-of-freedom. A design for an inertial energy harvesting system is presented, with a suspended proof mass and electromagnetic transducers allowing energy to be harvested from multiple translational and rotational wave motions. A computer-based model of the system is created, allowing the performance of the device to be simulated for a given set of wave motions. Using real-world wave data captured by a data logging buoy, a peak electrical power output in excess of 600mW is obtained.

Citation Download Citation

Anthony Fowler and Sam Behrens "Feasibility of a multidimensional wave energy harvester", Proc. SPIE 7643, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2010, 76431D (9 April 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.847753

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