Experimental and theoretical investigations of a novel electret-based wave energy converter

Motivated by carbon neutrality and subsea exploration, we propose a novel electret-based wave energy converter (WEC) achieving cost-effectiveness and high power-output. The WEC is mainly made of plastics (low cost) and is competent in achieving a long service life (no wearing parts). It demonstrates an exceptional average power density of 2.15Wm⁻³, doubling the highest power density of ever reported WECs that are based on electrostatic induction and/or triboelectrification. The theoretical models of the energy conversion and dynamic stability of the proposed WECs have been established and validated by experimental results, which suffices for the optimization of the proposed WEC for practical applications. Moreover, it has been found that the average power of the encapsulated generator in the WEC is proportional to the diameter to the power of four, which invigorates model scaleups.