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

Descrizione del progetto

Innovativo sistema di raccolta dell’energia del moto ondoso per dispositivi marini autoalimentati

Gli oceani offrono un immenso potenziale di energia rinnovabile che supera quello dell’eolico e del solare sia in termini di densità energetica che di disponibilità. Ciononostante, le apparecchiature e i sensori essenziali per il monitoraggio marino sono limitati dalla mancanza di energia sostenibile. La manutenzione delle batterie è costosa, mentre l’efficienza e la stabilità dell’energia solare ed eolica sono compromesse dalle condizioni marine avverse. Con il sostegno del programma di azioni Marie Skłodowska-Curie, il progetto WAVEHARVEST punta ad affrontare questa sfida sviluppando e validando un innovativo generatore di energia dal moto ondoso basato su un pendolo, per alimentare in modo autonomo i dispositivi marini dell’Internet delle cose. Il progetto combina la meccanica a pendolo, le oscillazioni bistabili e il trasferimento caotico di energia per ottimizzare l’efficienza energetica e garantire una produzione energetica costante negli ambienti oceanici tipici.

Obiettivo

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.