Ocean wave energy harvesting buoy for sensors

Abstract

Methodology and results are presented for the numerical simulations and experimental measurements on ocean energy harvesting systems that utilize anchored linear generators, driven by heaving surface buoys that convert ambient ocean wave energy into useful electrical power. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using ocean wave energy harvesting buoys and simple linear generators to provide sufficient electrical power for ocean sensor applications (1-10 W range). Experimental results for a small scale linear generator, directly driven in a test bed with realistic ocean wave spectra, demonstrate power in the 5-10 W range. Simulations for buoy/generator systems using imperfectly wave-compliant surface buoys and two different anchoring approaches show that the wave compliance of the buoy and the method of anchoring have a major effect on performance. These simulations for practical system designs show performance in the 1-4 W range.