Low-frequency energy harvesting using a counterweighted pendulum for maritime applications

Wojkowski, K, Mitchell, I and Serjouei, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7250-4131, 2026. Low-frequency energy harvesting using a counterweighted pendulum for maritime applications. Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 4 (1): 0004. ISSN 2959-0760

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Abstract

This paper presents the design, development, and experimental evaluation of a low-frequency energy harvesting device based on a counterweighted pendulum system. Targeting maritime applications, particularly as an emergency power source for lighting or homing beacons, the device converts mechanical oscillations into electrical energy using a stepper motor, a mechanical motion rectifier, and a flywheel. A key focus is tuning the system for resonance at low excitation frequencies typical of marine environments. Through a series of controlled tests, the system achieved a peak average power output of 1.553 W at 0.3 Hz using a 3.049 kg pendulum at a 25 cm length. Comparative analysis highlights the efficiency gains from tuning pendulum length, mass, and counterweight placement. The device architecture emphasizes low-maintenance operation, passive actuation, and the use of manufacturable, modular components suitable for scalable production and integration into maritime or industrial platforms. These attributes position the system as a sustainable energy-harvesting solution that can complement hybrid power architectures and contribute to circular manufacturing approaches by reducing reliance on disposable batteries in remote systems. The results demonstrate significant improvements over similar harvesting technologies operating at higher frequencies and lay the groundwork for broader deployment in resilient, sustainable marine systems.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Creators:	Wojkowski, K., Mitchell, I. and Serjouei, A.
Publisher:	ELS Publishing
Date:	2026
Volume:	4
Number:	1
ISSN:	2959-0760
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.55092/rse20260004 DOI 2598374 Other
Rights:	Copyright ©2026 by the authors. Published by ELSP. This work is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium provided the original work is properly cited.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	27 Mar 2026 12:00
Last Modified:	27 Mar 2026 12:00
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/55482

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