Chaotic and Bi-Stable Pendulum Energy Harvesters for Ultra Low-Frequency Ocean Waves

Descripción del proyecto

Generador de energía undimotriz innovador para dispositivos marinos con alimentación autónoma

Los océanos ofrecen un inmenso potencial de energía renovable que supera al de la energía eólica y solar, tanto en densidad energética como en disponibilidad. No obstante, los equipos y sensores esenciales para la vigilancia marina se ven limitados por la falta de una fuente de energía sostenible. El mantenimiento de las baterías resulta costoso, mientras que la eficiencia y la estabilidad de la energía solar y eólica se ven mermadas por condiciones marinas extremas. Con el apoyo de las Acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, el equipo del proyecto WAVEHARVEST tiene como objetivo abordar este reto mediante el desarrollo y la validación de un generador de energía undimotriz innovador basado en un péndulo, que permita alimentar de forma autónoma dispositivos marinos del internet de las cosas. El diseño combina la mecánica del péndulo, las oscilaciones biestables y la transferencia caótica de energía para optimizar la eficiencia energética y garantizar una generación de energía constante en entornos oceánicos típicos.

Objetivo

The WAVEHARVEST project advances ocean-based renewable energy by developing a novel bi-stable chaotic pendulum harvester to power Ocean Internet of Things (OIoT) devices. Oceans, covering over 70% of Earth’s surface, are an abundant yet under-exploited renewable source, offering higher energy density and longer availability than wind or solar. However, marine sensors and data buoys, vital for ocean monitoring and maritime safety, remain constrained by limited energy supply. Batteries demand costly maintenance, while solar and wind recharging are hampered by instability and low efficiency in harsh marine environments.

WAVEHARVEST addresses this challenge with an innovative pendulum-based harvester tailored to the ultra-low-frequency ocean wave environment. Its design integrates pendulum dynamics, bi-stable oscillations, and chaotic energy transfer, enabling wide-band harvesting beyond conventional narrow-band resonance. This novel configuration improves energy transfer efficiency and ensures sustained voltage generation under realistic sea conditions.

The project combines conceptual design, nonlinear modelling, advanced analytical techniques (CX-A, Melnikov analysis), numerical bifurcation studies, and novel stability-informed optimisation with prototype fabrication and experimental validation at the University of Glasgow and QinetiQ. The outcome will be a compact, efficient prototype at TRL 5, with strong potential for future scaling and commercialisation.

By enabling self-powered OIoT devices, WAVEHARVEST supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, and aligns with the MSCA Green Charter by advancing renewable, low-carbon technologies. The fellowship also offers interdisciplinary and intersectoral training in nonlinear dynamics, energy harvesting, and experimental methods, positioning the Fellow for academic independence and long-term leadership in sustainable energy research.