Arctic Low-speed current energy harvesting system

Background

• The Arctic has four million people and an economy worth about $230 billion annually. It is beneficial to do research about Arctic climate change, energy resources, fresh water supplies, and sustainable economic growth in Arctic area;

• Long-term Arctic Ocean monitoring with near-real-time data transfer, are urgently needed to support the research in Arctic area. The near-real-time data transfer system lack of reliable power supply;

• Developing an Arctic current energy harvesting system support near-real-time data transfer system and is also beneficial to the future Arctic development;

• The low-speed current and harsh weather condition are challenges for energy harvesting in Arctic area;

Innovation

• Low starting torque generator and able to self-start in extreme low flow speed condition

• American turbine design for extreme low speed water current conditions

Approach

• A generator that can harvest aim power is firstly designed under Arctic current speed. Next, the rotational speed and required torque of the generator are recorded. Finally, the type and diameter of the turbine are determined matching the recorded torque and rotational speed.

Achievement

• Build a generator with low starting torque and able to harvest 0.4 W under 50 rpm.