Optimized wave energy harvester for distributed application

As ocean and undersea missions evolve, additional sensors, communications systems, and vehicles will need access to persistent sources of power. Battery, solar, wind and fossil fuel generators and fuel cells are currently used as sources of power, but each has issues that render it problematic to buoy manufacturers and users. More persistent power would enable longer duration missions or increased sampling rates for existing sensors and would expand the range of potential new missions. In addition, system life cycle cost reduction can be realized by extending the period between costly at-sea servicing. OceanGen™, a wave energy harvesting technology under development by Battelle and Levant Power, is intended to provide this highly sought persistent power. OceanGen™ harnesses incessant wave motion in a compact, fully sealed, hydraulic-electric apparatus that can be scaled to mission needs. OceanGen™ will enable long-term unattended deployment, enabling new concepts of operation and reducing cost by extending mission duration and service intervals.