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Wave energy converter buoy for Arctic observations

Author

Listed:
  • Branch, Ruth
  • McVey, James R.
  • Ticona Rollano, Fadia
  • Cavagnaro, Robert J.
  • Turpin, Alex
  • Geon, Emma
  • Roberts, Ben
  • Steele, Michael
  • Nawaz, Anuscheh
  • Wickett, Martin
  • Wickett, Mairi

Abstract

Ocean observation buoys are currently powered-constrained by battery storage capacity or available solar power. Power constraints limit the number of measurements that can be made and the lifetime of the buoys. Ocean surface wave energy could be used for power production, but wave energy converters are not yet commercially available for ocean observation buoys. Here we present the design and testing of a drifting wave energy converter buoy using a pendulum transmission system (PTS). The wave energy converter buoy was designed to operate in Arctic temperatures and wave conditions, but it could be used in areas with warmer temperatures and larger waves. Field tests measured a maximum power production of 5 watts in waves with a significant wave height of 0.42 meters and a ten minute average power production of 37 milliwatts. Power production increased with the energy period and significant wave height. The energy harvesting capabilities of the PTS showed the utility of adding a wave energy conversion device to a drifting ocean observation buoy.

Suggested Citation

  • Branch, Ruth & McVey, James R. & Ticona Rollano, Fadia & Cavagnaro, Robert J. & Turpin, Alex & Geon, Emma & Roberts, Ben & Steele, Michael & Nawaz, Anuscheh & Wickett, Martin & Wickett, Mairi, 2026. "Wave energy converter buoy for Arctic observations," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pb:s0960148125011590
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123497
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Crowley, S. & Porter, R. & Taunton, D.J. & Wilson, P.A., 2018. "Modelling of the WITT wave energy converter," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 159-174.
    2. Zhang, Yongxing & Zhao, Yongjie & Sun, Wei & Li, Jiaxuan, 2021. "Ocean wave energy converters: Technical principle, device realization, and performance evaluation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    3. Yeon-Hee Kim & Seung-Ki Min & Nathan P. Gillett & Dirk Notz & Elizaveta Malinina, 2023. "Observationally-constrained projections of an ice-free Arctic even under a low emission scenario," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, December.
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