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Wireless Power Transfer for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles: Technologies, Challenges and Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Iñigo Martínez de Alegría

    (Applied Electronics Research Team (APERT), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48013 Bilbao, Spain)

  • Iñigo Rozas Holgado

    (Applied Electronics Research Team (APERT), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48013 Bilbao, Spain)

  • Edorta Ibarra

    (Applied Electronics Research Team (APERT), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48013 Bilbao, Spain)

  • Eider Robles

    (Tecnalia, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia Astondo Bidea, 48160 Derio, Spain)

  • José Luís Martín

    (Applied Electronics Research Team (APERT), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48013 Bilbao, Spain)

Abstract

Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are key technologies to conduct preventive inspection and maintenance tasks in offshore renewable energy plants. Making such vehicles autonomous would lead to benefits such as improved availability, cost reduction and carbon emission minimization. However, some technological aspects, including the powering of these devices, remain with a long way to go. In this context, underwater wireless power transfer (UWPT) solutions have potential to overcome UUV powering drawbacks. Considering the relevance of this topic for offshore renewable plants, this work aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the state of the art regarding UPWT technologies. A technology intelligence study is conducted by means of a bibliographical survey. Regarding underwater wireless power transfer, the main methods are reviewed, and it is concluded that inductive wireless power transfer (IWPT) technologies have the most potential. These inductive systems are described, and their challenges in underwater environments are presented. A review of the underwater IWPT experiments and applications is conducted, and innovative solutions are listed. Achieving efficient and reliable UWPT technologies is not trivial, but significant progress is identified. Generally, the latest solutions exhibit efficiencies between 88% and 93% in laboratory settings, with power ratings reaching up to 1–3 kW. Based on the assessment, a power transfer within the range of 1 kW appears to be feasible and may be sufficient to operate small UUVs. However, work-class UUVs require at least a tenfold power increase. Thus, although UPWT has advanced significantly, further research is required to industrially establish these technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Iñigo Martínez de Alegría & Iñigo Rozas Holgado & Edorta Ibarra & Eider Robles & José Luís Martín, 2024. "Wireless Power Transfer for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles: Technologies, Challenges and Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-34, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:10:p:2305-:d:1392111
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Machura, Philip & Li, Quan, 2019. "A critical review on wireless charging for electric vehicles," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 104(C), pages 209-234.
    2. Cédric Lecluyse & Ben Minnaert & Michael Kleemann, 2021. "A Review of the Current State of Technology of Capacitive Wireless Power Transfer," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-22, September.
    3. Benitto Albert Rayan & Umashankar Subramaniam & S. Balamurugan, 2023. "Wireless Power Transfer in Electric Vehicles: A Review on Compensation Topologies, Coil Structures, and Safety Aspects," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-46, March.
    4. Jung, Hyunjun & Subban, Chinmayee V. & McTigue, Joshua Dominic & Martinez, Jayson J. & Copping, Andrea E. & Osorio, Julian & Liu, Jian & Deng, Z. Daniel, 2022. "Extracting energy from ocean thermal and salinity gradients to power unmanned underwater vehicles: State of the art, current limitations, and future outlook," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    5. Kai Song & Yu Lan & Xian Zhang & Jinhai Jiang & Chuanyu Sun & Guang Yang & Fengshuo Yang & Hao Lan, 2023. "A Review on Interoperability of Wireless Charging Systems for Electric Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-22, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Qingyu Zhao & Songyan Niu & Ziyun Shao & Linni Jian, 2025. "Hull-Compatible Underwater IPT System with Enhanced Electromagnetic–Thermal Performance for USVs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-18, January.

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