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A study on the performance of a novel underwater current energy harvester in environments with obstacles

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Listed:
  • An, Yang
  • Wang, Gaofeng
  • Wang, Xiaocen
  • Shen, Song
  • Fu, Yunkun
  • Wu, Liqun
  • Xiang, Huan
  • Liu, Yingnan
  • Qu, Zhigang

Abstract

Ocean current energy, as an under-exploited renewable resource, offers significant potential for sustainable power generation. This study introduces a novel small-scale spherical power generation device with external blades, uniquely designed to efficiently collect ocean current energy while adapting to dynamic marine conditions. A key factor influencing device performance is the arrangement of obstacles in its operational environment. Systematic analysis reveals that optimal obstacle placement significantly enhances energy efficiency. Specifically, when the device is placed 70 cm after two obstacles which are 120 cm apart, power output increases by 80.06 %, from 1.77 W to 3.187 W. Conversely, when the two obstacles are 80 cm apart and the distance between the generator and obstacles is set to 80 cm, power output reduces by 26.80 %, to 1.296 W. This research presents a quantitative approach to enhance efficiency and adaptability of power generation devices in complex hydrodynamic environments thereby offers both theoretical insights and practical guidance for the advancement of marine energy systems and supports global renewable energy objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • An, Yang & Wang, Gaofeng & Wang, Xiaocen & Shen, Song & Fu, Yunkun & Wu, Liqun & Xiang, Huan & Liu, Yingnan & Qu, Zhigang, 2025. "A study on the performance of a novel underwater current energy harvester in environments with obstacles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 336(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:336:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225041921
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138550
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhou, Zhibin & Benbouzid, Mohamed & Frédéric Charpentier, Jean & Scuiller, Franck & Tang, Tianhao, 2013. "A review of energy storage technologies for marine current energy systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 18(C), pages 390-400.
    2. Hu, Huakun & Xue, Wendong & Jiang, Peng & Li, Yong, 2022. "Bibliometric analysis for ocean renewable energy: An comprehensive review for hotspots, frontiers, and emerging trends," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).
    3. Li, Zhixiang & Xu, Hui & Feng, Jiangang & Chen, Huixiang & Kan, Kan & Li, Tianyi & Shen, Lian, 2024. "Fluctuation characteristics induced by energetic coherent structures in air-core vortex: The most complex vortex in the tidal power station intake system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 288(C).
    4. Dong-Hui Ko & Jaekwan Chung & Kwang-Soo Lee & Jin-Soon Park & Jin-Hak Yi, 2019. "Current Policy and Technology for Tidal Current Energy in Korea," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-15, May.
    5. M. S. Chowdhury & Kazi Sajedur Rahman & Vidhya Selvanathan & Narissara Nuthammachot & Montri Suklueng & Ali Mostafaeipour & Asiful Habib & Md. Akhtaruzzaman & Nowshad Amin & Kuaanan Techato, 2021. "Current trends and prospects of tidal energy technology," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 8179-8194, June.
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