Compact Low-Velocity Ocean Current Energy Harvester Using Magnetic Couplings for Long-Term Scientific Seafloor Observation

• Published in: Journal of marine science and engineering Vol. 8; no. 6; p. 410
• Main Authors: Huang, Longxiang, Lyu, Feng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.06.2020
• Subjects: Biomass energy; Cables; Computer simulation; Connectors; Couplings; Current velocity; Design; Design parameters; Efficiency; Electricity; Energy; energy harvester; Energy harvesting; Energy recovery; Energy transmission; Finite element method; Friction; Instrument platforms; low-velocity ocean current; magnetic couplings; Magnetic devices; Mathematical models; Methods; Observations; Observatories; Ocean bottom; Ocean currents; Ocean energy resources; Ocean floor; Oceanography; Parameters; Prototypes; Salinity; scientific seafloor observation; Sediments; Thermal energy; three-dimension finite-element method; Transmission efficiency; Turbines; Undersea; Underwater; Velocity; Wave power; China
• ISSN: 2077-1312; 2077-1312
• DOI: 10.3390/jmse8060410

A compact low-velocity ocean current energy harvester (LOCH) is developed to power undersea instrument platforms for long-term scientific seafloor observation. Noncontact magnetic couplings are used in the LOCH to eliminate friction and achieve reliable underwater sealing so that the LOCH can adapt the low-velocity ocean current and its energy transmission efficiency can be improved. The parameters of the magnetic couplings are optimized by the three-dimensional finite-element method (3D FEM). A laboratory experiment platform is designed; and the static and dynamic performances of the magnetic couplings with different parameters are tested. The experiment results are compared with computer simulations to verify the optimal parameter design. Finally; a prototype of the LOCH is designed and its underwater experiment proves that it can start smoothly and work stably at a current velocity of as low as 0.4 m/s