Project Portugal 2030

Summary

BEAT-IT ambitiously sets out to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the sustainable and efficient harnessing and storage of renewable energy from the ocean. This endeavor is not just critical for mitigating climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels but also for unlocking new pathways to energy security and environmental preservation. The ocean, covering over 70% of the Earth's surface, represents an enormous, yet underexploited, source of renewable energy. Current technologies for ocean energy harvesting face limitations in efficiency, cost and environmental impact. BEAT-IT aims to overcome these hurdles by focusing on novel energy harvesting methods (TENGs and WEIGs), and the innovative use of a maritime energy storage technology (SWBs). These technologies promise to tap into the vast and continuous energy potential of the ocean in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. AMBITIOUS OBJECTIVES BEYOND STATE-OF-THE-ART 1. Development of Advanced TENGs for Ocean Energy Harvesting. The project seeks to revolutionize the efficiency of TENGs by introducing novel concepts that enhance their ability to convert wave into electrical energy. This includes the exploration of non-linear oscillator concepts to maximize resonance effects and exploring wave focusing mechanisms to enhance energy conversion efficiency (by at least 50%). Both approaches will represent significant leaps beyond current TENG technologies. 2. Pioneering WEIGs for Continuous Energy Production. BEAT-IT aims to develop WEIGs that can continuously generate electricity from the natural evaporation of seawater (targeting at least 24 h with a 20% increase in electrical output). This involves innovative carbon-based materials and the creation of devices that directly interface with ocean water by creating and tuning a hydrophobicity gradient along the samples, approaches yet to be explored in current research. 3. Using SWBs for Efficient Energy Storage. The project will advance the development of SWBs by employing novel electrolytes and composite materials that improve their energy density, stability, and safety (targeting at least 150 mAh and life cycle >100). This represents a critical step forward in creating sustainable energy storage solutions that leverage the abundant ions in seawater. 4. Integration of Harvesting and Storage Technologies. Beyond individual technological advancements, BEAT-IT ambitiously aims to integrate TENGs, WEIGs, and SWBs into a cohesive system capable of efficient energy capture, conversion, and storage. This system-level innovation will address the intermittent nature of renewable energy and enable continuous power supply from ocean resources. 5. Ultimately, the project will develop the first sustainable and self-powered monitoring system relying on the ocean as its only energy source and demonstrate a wave-to-wire energy conversion (harvesting and storage) process in real conditions. INTERDISCIPLINARY DEVELOPMENT BEAT-IT stands at the confluence of nanotechnology, materials science, electrical engineering and environmental technology. By fostering development across these disciplines, the project not only aims to achieve its technological objectives but also to contribute to the broader field of renewable energy research. This interdisciplinary approach will generate new knowledge, methodologies, and collaborative frameworks that can be applied to other challenges in sustainable energy.