Underwater Energy Harvesting to Extend Operation Time of Submersible Sensors.

Carlos L. Faria,Tiago Matos,Rui Lima,Luís M. Gonçalves,Marcos S. Martins,João M. Miranda

doi:10.3390/s22041341

Carlos L. Faria, Tiago Matos + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s22041341

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Abstract

A linear electromagnetic energy harvesting device for underwater applications, fabricated with a simple manufacturing process, was developed to operate with movement frequencies from 0.1 to 0.4 Hz. The generator has two coils, and the effect of the combination of the two coils was investigated. The experimental study has shown that the energy capture system was able to supply energy to several ocean sensors, producing 7.77 mJ per second with wave movements at 0.4 Hz. This study shows that this energy is enough to restore the energy used by the battery or the capacitor and continue supplying energy to the sensors used in the experimental work. For an ocean wave frequency of 0.4 Hz, the generator can supply power to 8 sensors or 48 sensors, depending on the energy consumed and its optimization.

Highlights

Advances in electronics have allowed the continuous reduction in the power consumption of sensors and an increase in their autonomy [1,2]
Open-Circuit Voltage Output It is important to find the maximum voltage that the energy harvesting system can deliver to the storage system and how long it will be able to deliver the minimum voltage necessary to allow the system to work since power can be delivered only when the output voltage is higher than the capacitor or battery voltage
The linear electromagnetic generator (LEG) needs to supply at least a voltage superior at 4.0 volts

Summary

Introduction

Advances in electronics have allowed the continuous reduction in the power consumption of sensors and an increase in their autonomy [1,2]. Energy harvesting has been an emerging theme for monitoring sensor networks in which each node is individually autonomous in terms of energy, reducing maintenance and replacing battery costs. To deal with underwater sensor systems and other similar applications, it is necessary to develop autonomous energy harvesters. Various types of energy capture were studied, with different operating principles and materials, to supply energy to the sensors, with different advantages and disadvantages. These devices can be divided into two main categories: semi-submerged devices, which will work on the sea surface; and fully submerged devices, which will work completely below the sea surface

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