Research on a frequency-increasing piezoelectric wave energy harvester based on gear mechanism and magnetic rotor

Abstract Wave energy is a widespread clean energy source, but harvesting low-frequency wave energy efficiently remains a challenge. In this paper, a frequency-increasing piezoelectric wave energy harvester (FPWEH) based on gear mechanism and magnetic rotor is proposed. The gear mechanism transforms the vertical motion of the wave into the higher-frequency rotational motion of the magnetic rotor. The magnetic rotor is equipped with several rotating magnets and one revolution of the magnetic rotor enables multiple excitations of the piezoelectric cantilevers. Therefore, the wave excitation frequency is increased, so that the FPWEH can obtain better output performance. The major factors influencing output performance are determined through theoretical and simulation analysis, and a test system to simulate the wave environment is established. According to experimental findings, the FPWEH can generate an output voltage of 69.82 V and a maximum power of 28.33 mW when the external resistance is 20 kΩ. It can also successfully power thermohygrometer and light-emitting diodes. These results validate the feasibility of the FPWEH for providing electricity to electronics with low power requirements. This research also offers a novel approach to harvesting low-frequency wave energy.