Hybrid Wave Energy Converter and Marine Buoy System for Wave Energy Harvesting and Marine Sensing

Strategic Insights -

A novel patent application has been filed for a hybrid wave energy converter and marine buoy system that can harness ocean wave energy and facilitate marine sensing. The system, designed by inventors Cao, Changyong and Fang, Yuhui, utilizes a triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator (TEHG) that combines a soft ball-based triboelectric nanogenerator (SB-TENG) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) to harvest low-frequency wave energy from arbitrary directions in a body of water.

The TEHG has demonstrated the ability to power dozens of light-emitting diodes and drive a digital temperature sensor to monitor water temperature for an extended period. The system's improved output performance enhances the efficiency of wave energy harvesting and presents an innovative self-powered system driven by low-frequency water waves. The hybrid wave energy converter and marine buoy system has significant potential for large-scale applications, offering high power density, wide distribution, and low dependency on daytime, weather, and season.

Key Takeaways:

  • The hybrid wave energy converter and marine buoy system utilizes a triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid nanogenerator (TEHG) to harness ocean wave energy and facilitate marine sensing.
  • The TEHG combines a soft ball-based triboelectric nanogenerator (SB-TENG) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) to harvest low-frequency wave energy from arbitrary directions in a body of water.
  • The system has demonstrated the ability to power dozens of light-emitting diodes and drive a digital temperature sensor to monitor water temperature for an extended period.
  • The TEHG has improved output performance, enhancing the efficiency of wave energy harvesting and presenting an innovative self-powered system driven by low-frequency water waves.
  • The hybrid wave energy converter and marine buoy system has significant potential for large-scale applications, offering high power density, wide distribution, and low dependency on daytime, weather, and season.
  • The system includes at least one electrical component, such as a sensor, light, timer, or display, to provide additional functionality.
  • The TEHG can reach an output peak power of 0.5 mW for the TENG and 8.5 mW for the EMG under an operating frequency of 1 Hz.

Statistics:

  • 8,000 terawatt-hours of electricity can be generated per year if ocean wave energy can be harvested effectively.
  • The hybrid wave energy converter and marine buoy system has demonstrated improved output performance, enhancing the efficiency of wave energy harvesting.
  • The system has the potential to provide high power density, wide distribution, and low dependency on daytime, weather, and season.

Sources:

  • Cao, Changyong; Fang, Yuhui. Hybrid Wave Energy Converter And Marine Buoy System For Wave Energy Harvesting And Marine Sensing. U.S. Patent Application Number 20250223940, filed January 28, 2025 and posted July 10, 2025. Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(20250223940)&db=US-PGPUB&type=ids