A Self-Powered Sensing System for Ocean Waves Driven by a Dual Unidirectional Clutch Hybrid Nanogenerator

Harvesting ocean wave energy for powering marine systems faces challenges in converting low-frequency, irregular motions efficiently. Here, a dual unidirectional clutch hybrid nanogenerator (DUC-HNG) is proposed, integrating a 3D-printed dual-tapered roller clutch to rectify bidirectional swings into unidirectional rotation. Under 1 Hz excitation, the DUC-HNG achieves an open-circuit voltage of 600 V and a short-circuit current of 13 \u03bcA. With optimized design and power management, the TENG and EMG units deliver peak powers of 7.58 mW and 5.21 mW, respectively. The device powers a wireless hygrothermograph in a simulated wave tank and functions as a self-powered sensor. A Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) decodes wave frequency and amplitude from voltage signals with >97% accuracy. This work provides a dual-functional platform for sustainable energy harvesting and intelligent ocean monitoring.