Experimental sea wave energy extractor based on piezoelectric Ericsson cycles

Abstract

Recycling ambient energies with electric generators instead of employing batteries with limited lifespans has motivated a large scientist community over two decades. Sea waves exhibit a large energy density. The amount of energy that could be extracted from the sea waves is very high. This work describes a technique of sea wave energy extraction based on a piezoelectric conversion and an analogy with thermodynamic Ericsson loops. By synchronizing external electric field to the maximum and the minimum of the sea wave mechanical stress excitations, the piezoelectric material dielectric hysteresis loop area is increased corresponding to the maximum of the energy available. In this article, technical solutions are proposed for the in site deployment of the proposed technique (maximum and minimum detection, external electric field source synchronization). Experimental measuring benches have been developed to monitor the sea wave mechanical excitation and to determine precisely the energy-harvesting potential. Adequate dielectric hysteresis model is proposed to numerically determine the best configuration (frequency, amplitude) of electric field to impose. Even if the Ericsson technique requires external electronic devices, the weak consumption of such components allows a large enhancement of the amount of energy extracted compared to a basic piezo element conversion.