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Investigation of gimbaled pendulum dynamics for broadband wave energy harvesting

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  • Zhao, Tiancong
  • Zhai, Zhenfeng
  • Li, Ying

Abstract

Harnessing ocean waves for power demands robust converters that overcome the narrow bandwidth and instability of traditional resonant devices. Here, we present a gimbaled pendulum wave energy converter (GP-WEC) that exploits nonlinear chaos for broadband energy harvesting. Through parametric optimization and bifurcation analysis, we demonstrate a peak capture width ratio of 38.4 % at an off-resonant wave period (1.2 s), with high efficiency sustained across a broad spectrum. Crucially, the rotary pendulum decouples from the chaotic motion of its tray, rectifying irregular excitations into stable, high-amplitude rotation, as validated by wave-flume experiments. This mechanism ensures consistent power output even under high-entropy waves, establishing the GP-WEC as a promising platform for sustainable offshore power.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Tiancong & Zhai, Zhenfeng & Li, Ying, 2026. "Investigation of gimbaled pendulum dynamics for broadband wave energy harvesting," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 346(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:346:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226003452
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140243
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeff Tollefson, 2014. "Power from the oceans: Blue energy," Nature, Nature, vol. 508(7496), pages 302-304, April.
    2. Yawei Wang & Hengxu Du & Hengyi Yang & Ziyue Xi & Cong Zhao & Zian Qian & Xinyuan Chuai & Xuzhang Peng & Hongyong Yu & Yu Zhang & Xin Li & Guobiao Hu & Hao Wang & Minyi Xu, 2024. "A rolling-mode triboelectric nanogenerator with multi-tunnel grating electrodes and opposite-charge-enhancement for wave energy harvesting," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. Ze-Qi Lu & Long Zhao & Hai-Ling Fu & Eric Yeatman & Hu Ding & Li-Qun Chen, 2024. "Ocean wave energy harvesting with high energy density and self-powered monitoring system," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.
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