Hydrocavitation Piezoelectric Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Abstract The possibility to convert the ocean wave energy into electrical energy by piezoelectric layers has excited the imagination of ocean wave energy conversion designers for decades owing to its relative robustness (no mechanical parts are needed), the capability to cover large areas, and its relatively low cost. Unfortunately, the very poor efficiency featured by piezoelectric layers in the application of ocean waves has prevented its application even as an energy harvester. Here, the possibility to induce hydrocavitation and then working with higher local pressures for substantial efficiency enhancement is discussed. Utilizing a simplified geometrical and physical model and the linear and potential theory, a first theoretical estimation for the energy enhancement driven by hydrocavitation was calculated. It was found that the power could be enhanced several orders of magnitude which, although still rather low, however, the enhanced electric outputs can be used now as energy harvesters. Additional R&D is encouraged in order to explore the possibilities to harness hydrocavitation to enhance piezoelectric converters.