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Research on the wave energy capture performance of an underwater vehicle with hydrofoils

Author

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  • Ren, Pingshun
  • Wei, Changdong
  • Bai, Fagang
  • Liu, Yanjun
  • Wang, Kaixuan
  • Xue, Gang

Abstract

Underwater vehicles play a crucial role in marine missions, but their endurance is constrained by their battery capacity. Currently, despite the existence of various schemes to power underwater vehicles using marine renewable energy, these technologies face challenges such as environmental sensitivity and high integration complexity. In this study, we proposed an underwater vehicle that can utilize hydrofoils to capture wave energy and control underwater motion, featuring a compact structure and high integration. First, we established the structural design and operational principles of the underwater vehicle with hydrofoils. Subsequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods were utilized to analyze the influence of several key factors on wave energy capture performance. Finally, to validate the accuracy of the CFD numerical simulations, we conducted wave tank experiments and compared the experimental data with the simulation results. The results indicated that the underwater vehicle could achieve higher energy capture power under shorter wave periods and larger wave heights. Additionally, its energy capture power was enhanced by adjusting the power takeoff (PTO) damping, center of gravity, and hydrofoil density. The motion response of the underwater vehicle in an actual wave tank matched the results of the simulation model, confirming the reliability of the simulation model. The underwater vehicle with hydrofoils proposed in this study can not only effectively capture wave energy but also ensure the execution of underwater tasks, providing a new approach for the integrated development of underwater vehicles and marine renewable energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Ren, Pingshun & Wei, Changdong & Bai, Fagang & Liu, Yanjun & Wang, Kaixuan & Xue, Gang, 2025. "Research on the wave energy capture performance of an underwater vehicle with hydrofoils," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225043270
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138685
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lehmann, Marcus & Karimpour, Farid & Goudey, Clifford A. & Jacobson, Paul T. & Alam, Mohammad-Reza, 2017. "Ocean wave energy in the United States: Current status and future perspectives," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 1300-1313.
    2. Ma, Zhesong & Wang, Yanhui & Wang, Shuxin & Yang, Yanan, 2016. "Ocean thermal energy harvesting with phase change material for underwater glider," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 557-566.
    3. Chen, Weixing & Zhou, Boen & Huang, Hao & Lu, Yunfei & Li, Shaoxun & Gao, Feng, 2022. "Design, modeling and performance analysis of a deployable WEC for ocean robots," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 327(C).
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    5. Li, Zhongjie & Jiang, Xiaomeng & Yin, Peilun & Tang, Lihua & Wu, Hao & Peng, Yan & Luo, Jun & Xie, Shaorong & Pu, Huayan & Wang, Daifeng, 2021. "Towards self-powered technique in underwater robots via a high-efficiency electromagnetic transducer with circularly abrupt magnetic flux density change," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 302(C).
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