Energy harvesting of cathodic protection currents in subsea and marine structures for wireless sensor power and communication

Abstract

This paper provides the first report of a means to harvest energy from stray cathodic protection currents in marine structures and thereby continuously power wireless sensors. This method is distinct from previously reported methods which utilise a conventional anode–cathode arrangement in open seawater to create a voltage cell. The underlying theory, modelling, and experimental results are described for implementation on a real application, namely annulus monitoring in a subsea production well. A broad range of new applications is envisaged, including self-powered and lifetime monitoring of safety critical parameters on marine structures, including wind turbines.