Shell-Optimized Hybrid Generator for Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting

Heng Liu, Dongxin Guo, Hengda Zhu, Honggui Wen, Jiawei Li and Lingyu Wan ()
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Heng Liu: Center on Nano-Energy Research, Institute of Science and Technology for Carbon Peak & Neutrality, Guangxi Key Laboratory for the Relativistic Astrophysics, School of Physical Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Dongxin Guo: Marine Design and Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200011, China
Hengda Zhu: Marine Design and Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200011, China
Honggui Wen: Center on Nano-Energy Research, Institute of Science and Technology for Carbon Peak & Neutrality, Guangxi Key Laboratory for the Relativistic Astrophysics, School of Physical Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Jiawei Li: Center on Nano-Energy Research, Institute of Science and Technology for Carbon Peak & Neutrality, Guangxi Key Laboratory for the Relativistic Astrophysics, School of Physical Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
Lingyu Wan: Center on Nano-Energy Research, Institute of Science and Technology for Carbon Peak & Neutrality, Guangxi Key Laboratory for the Relativistic Astrophysics, School of Physical Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-18

Abstract: With the increasing global emphasis on sustainable energy, wave energy has gained recognition as a significant renewable marine resource, drawing substantial research attention. However, the efficient conversion of low-frequency, random, and low-energy wave motion into electrical power remains a considerable challenge. In this study, an advanced hybrid generator design is introduced which enhances wave energy harvesting by optimizing wave–body coupling characteristics and incorporating both a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) within the shell. The optimized asymmetric trapezoidal shell (ATS) improves output frequency and energy harvesting efficiency in marine environments. Experimental findings under simulated water wave excitation indicate that the accelerations in the x, y, and z directions for the ATS are 1.9 m·s −2 , 0.5 m·s −2 , and 1.4 m·s −2 , respectively, representing 1.2, 5.5, and 2.3 times those observed in the cubic shell. Under real ocean conditions, a single TENG unit embedded in the ATS achieves a maximum transferred charge of 1.54 μC, a short-circuit current of 103 μA, and an open-circuit voltage of 363 V, surpassing the cubic shell by factors of 1.21, 1.24, and 2.13, respectively. These performance metrics closely align with those obtained under six-degree-of-freedom platform oscillation (0.4 Hz, swing angle range of ±6°), exceeding the results observed in laboratory-simulated waves. Notably, the most probable output frequency of the ATS along the x-axis reaches 0.94 Hz in ocean trials, which is 1.94 times the significant wave frequency of ambient sea waves. The integrated hybrid generator efficiently captures low-quality wave energy to power water quality sensors in marine environments. This study highlights the potential of combining synergistic geometric shell design and generator integration to achieve high-performance wave energy harvesting through improved wave–body coupling.

Keywords: wave–body coupling; water wave energy harvesting; hybrid nanogenerator; asymmetric trapezoidal acrylic shell (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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