Abstract
Tidal energy conversion is characterized by high peak power and low average power, creating a challenge for efficient energy harvesting. Most commercial off-the-shelf power electronics are efficient within a specific range of input voltages, rather than the wide range of input voltages seen in tidal energy production. In this work, we designed a full bridge converter printed circuit board (PCB), developed software to control the converter, performed benchtop testing of the converter, and refined the design. We also conducted a literature review on existing power electronic solutions for tidal energy harvesting systems to inform the need for this work.