Powering Underwater Robotics Sensor Networks Through Ocean Energy Harvesting and Wireless Power Transfer Methods: Systematic Review
Sverrir Jan Nordfjord, Saemundur E. Thorsteinsson, Kristinn Andersen
Abstract
The global demand for innovative underwater applications is increasing, encompassing scientific research, commercial endeavors, and defense operations. A significant challenge these applications face is fulfilling the energy requirements of underwater devices. This challenge extends beyond powering individual devices to include the entire network of underwater robotic sensors. These devices have varying energy needs; some are mobile while others are stationary, and they operate under diverse environmental conditions, such as different depths, temperatures, pressures, currents, and salinity levels. This paper compares the latest state-of-the-art research on powering underwater devices, addressing the challenges and practical considerations. It examines two primary approaches: first, energy harvesting from the natural environment, and second, the use of wireless power transfer (WPT). While energy harvesting methods have been established, their effectiveness greatly depends on the specific environment in which they are deployed, making them less viable as a universal solution. On the other hand, WPT presents its challenges, particularly as its efficiency diminishes with distance. Nonetheless, it remains a promising option, and further research is essential to explore its potential, including the integration of other technologies to develop hybrid solutions that leverage multiple power sources.