State of the art of Power Take Off (PTO) systems in Wave Energy Converter (WEC)

This paper aims at exploring the opportunities for improvement of different types of Power Take Off (PTO) on Wave Energy Converter (WEC). The development of a PTO system on a WEC provides significant opportunities to improve ocean wave energy conversion. The types of PTOs reviewed are hydraulic, pneumatic, hydro turbine, mechanical, electrical, and emerging systems such as triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) and piezoelectric materials. They have been identified for their working principles, advantages, and disadvantages comprehensively. The challenges they face include oil leakage, biofouling, and inefficiency under fluctuating conditions. These identifications create opportunities for improvements in advanced materials, adaptive control systems, and intelligent algorithms to enhance performance and reliability. Hybrid PTO systems, which integrate various energy harvesting methods, promise to maximize efficiency and ensure energy stability. Addressing these opportunities through research and technological advancements will accelerate the adoption of sustainable ocean energy solutions and contribute to global renewable energy goals.