Modeling of and Sea Trial of a Self-powered Ocean Buoy Harvesting Arctic Ocean Wave Energy using a Double-Side Cylindrical Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Abstract

Maximizing the output power of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) system for ocean buoy applications requires an understanding of the effects of sea states and wave conditions on buoy motion. Previous studies have explored the hydrodynamics of buoys for wave energy harvesting using TENGs, but they often relied on simplified models that used a single wave period and pitch amplitude, which may not fully capture the complexity of real-world sea conditions. In this study, we present a numerical simulation model of Arctic-TENG buoy dynamics to predict and optimize its mechanical behavior in the Arctic Ocean. First, a local sea trial was conducted to collect empirical data on sea states and buoy motion. The data were used to validate the buoy simulation model, which agreed well with the sea trial results, with differences of 13.6% and 13.2% in root mean square angular displacement and angular velocity of buoy motion, respectively. The verified model was then used to predict buoy motion in the Arctic Ocean and to optimize the buoy design for greater angular amplitude and velocity, thereby enhancing TENG performance. These optimizations were experimentally validated using a custom buoy motion simulator: the maximum average power output of 2.28 mW was observed at a 20 MΩ load, and the instantaneous power output at this optimal load was recorded, showing that the majority of peak power ranged between 10 mW and 20 mW, with the maximum peak power output reaching 22 mW. This power level is sufficient to support satellite communications exceeding 500 bytes daily in ocean buoys. This work not only improved the TENG power output but also provided a comprehensive design guideline for energy harvesters in remote and harsh environments like the Arctic Ocean.