Experimental testing and model validation for ocean wave energy harvesting buoys

Methodology and results are presented for numerical simulations and field experiments using point absorption ocean wave energy harvesting buoy systems, using the heave motion of the buoys to produce useful electrical power. Two approaches, a direct-drive system and a resonant-drive system are analyzed. These systems are not designed for large scale grid power applications, but rather for relatively low-power ocean sensor and communications applications, with power requirements in the 1-10 W range. The field experiments provided useful data for model verification and validation purposes. Results showed that RMS values for armature displacement and armature velocity and mean harvested electrical power were generally within 10% between model simulations and experimental data.