Electromagnetic rolling mass wave energy harvester for oceanic drifter applications

Matias Carandell,Manel Gasulla,Daniel Mihai Toma,Zdenek Hadas,Jan Smilek,Joaquín del Río,Jiri Tichy

doi:10.1140/epjs/s11734-022-00499-5

Abstract

Ocean monitoring requirements have fomented the evolution of sensor platforms such as Lagrangian drifters, whose autonomy is a critical factor in the design process. Energy Harvesting (EH) has proven to be a sound option as an autonomous power source for sensor platforms. This paper deals with the design and simulation of a kinetic energy harvester (KEH) that captures energy from a drifter’s motion under wave excitation. This KEH is based on a rolling mass resonator with permanent magnets that oscillate with respect to a frame which includes a coil system. The induced current on the coil results from the relative motion of the rolling mass, whose natural frequency is tuned to match the drifter’s to achieve resonance. Preliminary simulations using OrcaFlex provide the motion vectors of the drifter, used to excite the KEH’s frame. A multi-body MSC.ADAMS model has been developed consisting of a simple DOF mass-spring-damper system that includes the frame motion and the electrical and electromagnetic models. Results provide an estimation of the power generated on a resistive load, showing 23 mJ harvested during a one-minute simulation.

Highlights

This paper presents the redesign of the rolling mass resonator to work as a kinetic energy harvester (KEH) for oceanic drifter applications and attempts to expand its autonomy
The main aim of this paper is to present an innovative concept of Kinetic Energy Harvester (KEH) for oceanic drifter applications
The proposed concept of KEH is based on a rolling mass resonator with an electromagnetic converter

Summary

Introduction

GLOBAL warming is an emergency that must be tackled at all levels as it threatens the stability of our planet. In [11] and [12], a novel small-scale pendulum-type Wave Energy Converter (WEC) which uses the wave motion and current flow to generate power from a drifter was presented It consists of a double pendulum containing an arm with a proof mass guaranteeing the alignment of the main body with the wave direction. Work includes the estimation of the harvested power for a specific simulated sea state To fulfil this objective, several dynamic simulations have previously been performed in OrcaFlex to understand the drifter’s behaviour in common swell conditions. Several dynamic simulations have previously been performed in OrcaFlex to understand the drifter’s behaviour in common swell conditions This simulation provides important inputs for the appropriate design of the WEC based on the rolling mass resonator.

Drifter dynamics under the wave excitation

Model and design of rolling mass wave energy harvester

Multi-body model of multidisciplinary energy harvester

Findings

Conclusions