Design of novel energy harvesting device based on water flow manipulation

Abstract

Water power is abundant to meet the energy needs of the world. To exploit these plentiful natural resources, a novel energy harvesting device has been designed based on the water field manipulation theory. The flow field can be redirected, and the kinetic energy can be harvested flexibly and efficiently. The proposed energy concentrator exhibits promising prospects to harvest low-speed water flow energy at a highly effective level of up to 4–7 times the power of solar panels and wind turbines. While this study is at an early stage, it can prompt the exploitation of water flow energy that is not directly available due to the low flow rates.