Design Development and Experimental Validation of Multibuoy Tidal Wave Energy Harvester Prototype

Abstract

Tidal energy offers a predictable and sustainable source of renewable power; however, most existing technologies rely on a one-to-one system–generator power extraction architecture. This approach requires large, high-capacity units to achieve meaningful power output, limiting deployment to locations with strong tidal characteristics such as high wave amplitudes or high flow velocities. Consequently, many viable coastal regions remain underutilized due to stringent site requirements and the economic inefficiency of deploying multiple units in low-energy environments. These limitations motivate the development of systems that can flexibly adapt to diverse tidal conditions without extensive redesign. This article presents a modular, scalable, and shallow-water-compatible tidal wave energy harvester based on a multibuoy, centralized power-aggregation architecture. Each module consists of an independently oscillating buoy coupled with a mechanical rectification stage. Multiple modules can be linearly assembled to form an array, while a unified mechanical transmission system constructively combines asynchronous inputs to drive a single generator without phase synchronization. A scaled-down proof-of-concept prototype was designed, fabricated, and experimentally validated in a wave tank under varied wave conditions. Results demonstrate reliable multiinput power aggregation and indicate the system's potential to enhance deployment flexibility and expand tidal-energy harvesting feasibility across a wider range of coastal environments.