Power absorption measures and comparisons of selected wave energy converters (original) (raw)
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Numerical benchmarking study of a selection of wave energy converters
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The aim of this study is to estimate the mean annual power absorption of a selection of eight Wave Energy Converters (WECs) with different working principles. Based on these estimates a set of power performance measures that can be related to costs are derived. These are the absorbed energy per characteristic mass [kWh/kg], per characteristic surface area [MWh/m2], and per root mean square of Power Take Off (PTO) force [kWh/N]. The methodology relies on numerical modelling. For each device, a numerical Wave-to-Wire ( ...
Ocean Wave Energy Converters: Analysis, Modeling, and Simulation. Some case studies
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Wave energy has much more potential and benefits than other forms of renewable energy. It is more predictable, consistent, and controllable than wind or solar energy. In this way, an adequate infrastructure can be an alternative and also sustainable system for power supply. In this paper, different wave energy conversion mechanisms (buoys, Pelamis, and oysters) have been described. These models are implemented and simulated using the Design Modeller, ANSYS-AQWA, and WEC-SIM applications. The purpose has been to develop a complete simulation of the wave energy converter and discuss its operation. The analysis has been developed in Matlab-Simulink and both regular and irregular waves have been considered. For this, an approximation to the linear waves theory has been used. The results obtained indicate the energy absorbed from the sea waves and also the energy supplied to the power grid. The simulation results estimated with the different WEC models are comparable to the results shown by other research papers.
Wave-to-Wire Model Development and Validation for Two OWC Type Wave Energy Converters
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The Tupperwave device is a closed-circuit oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter that uses non-return valves and two large fixed-volume accumulator chambers to create a smooth unidirectional air flow, harnessed by a unidirectional turbine. In this paper, the relevance of the Tupperwave concept against the conventional OWC concept, that uses a self-rectifying turbine, is investigated. For this purpose, wave-to-wire numerical models of the Tupperwave device and a corresponding conventional OWC device are developed and validated against experimental tests. Both devices have the same floating spar buoy structure and a similar turbine technology. The models include wave-structure hydrodynamic interaction, air turbines and generators, along with their control laws in order to encompass all power conversion stages from wave to electrical power. Hardware-in-the-loop is used to physically emulate the last power conversion stage from mechanic to electrical power and hence valida...
IET Renewable Power Generation, 2011
The ability of a wave energy converter to capture the energy of ocean waves has been studied in offshore experiments. This study covers 50 days during which the converter was subjected to ocean waves over a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes as well as three different electrical loads. The results present the wave energy converter's energy absorption as a function of significant wave height, energy period and electrical load. It is shown that the power generated overall continues to increase with wave amplitude, whereas the relative absorption decreases towards the highest periods and amplitudes. The absorption reached a maximum of approximately 24% with the used combination of buoy, generator and electrical load. Absorption to cover for iron and mechanical losses has not been included. A brief study of the nature of the electromagnetic damping force has also been included in the study. The wave energy converter is of the technology that is being researched at
Energy Conversion: A Comparison of Fix- and Self-Referenced Wave Energy Converters
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The paper presents an investigation of fix-referenced and self-referenced wave energy converters and a comparison of their corresponding wave energy conversion capacities from real seas. For conducting the comparisons, two popular wave energy converters, point absorber and oscillating water column, and their power conversion capacities in the fixed-referenced and self-referenced forms have been numerically studied and compared. In the numerical models, the device's power extractions from seas are maximized using the correspondingly optimized power takeoffs in different sea states, thus their power conversion capacities can be calculated and compared. From the comparisons and analyses, it is shown that the energy conversion capacities of the self-referenced devices can be significantly increased if the motions of the device itself can be utilized for wave energy conversion; and the self-referenced devices can be possibly designed to be compliant in long waves, which could be a very beneficial factor for device survivability in the extreme wave conditions (normally long waves). In this regards, the self-referenced WECs (wave energy converters) may be better options in terms of wave energy conversion from the targeted waves in seas (frequently the most occurred), and in terms of the device survivability, especially in the extreme waves when compared to the fix-referenced counterparts.
A review of wave energy converter technology
Ocean waves are a huge, largely untapped energy resource, and the potential for extracting energy from waves is considerable. Research in this area is driven by the need to meet renewable energy targets, but is relatively immature compared to other renewable energy technologies. This review introduces the general status of wave energy and evaluates the device types that represent current wave energy converter (WEC) technology, particularly focusing on work being undertaken within the United Kingdom. The possible power takeoff systems are identified, followed by a consideration of some of the control strategies to enhance the efficiency of point absorber-type WECs. There is a lack of convergence on the best method of extracting energy from the waves and, although previous innovation has generally focused on the concept and design of the primary interface, questions arise concerning how best to optimize the powertrain. This article concludes with some suggestions of future developments.
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. All in-text references underlined in blue are added to the original document and are linked to publications on ResearchGate, letting you access and read them immediately. Abstract: The paper presents an investigation of fix-referenced and self-referenced wave energy converters and a comparison of their corresponding wave energy conversion capacities from real seas. For conducting the comparisons, two popular wave energy converters, point absorber and oscillating water column, and their power conversion capacities in the fixed-referenced and self-referenced forms have been numerically studied and compared. In the numerical models, the device's power extractions from seas are maximized using the correspondingly optimized power takeoffs in different sea states, thus their power conversion capacities can be calculated and compared. From the comparisons and analyses, it is shown that the energy conversion capacities of the self-referenced devices can be significantly increased if the motions of the device itself can be utilized for wave energy conversion; and the self-referenced devices can be possibly designed to be compliant in long waves, which could be a very beneficial factor for device survivability in the extreme wave conditions (normally long waves). In this regards, the self-referenced WECs (wave energy converters) may be better options in terms of wave energy conversion from the targeted waves in seas (frequently the most occurred), and in terms of the device survivability, especially in the extreme waves when compared to the fix-referenced counterparts.
Experimental Investigation of a Concept Wave Energy Converter for Harnessing Low Amplitude Sea Waves
Journal of Engineering Studies and Research
This paper presents the results from experimental validation of numerical simulation of a concept wave energy converter for low amplitude sea waves. The device was conceived to contain a wave amplifying device (WAD) to magnify the wave height of incident waves while point absorber buoy(s) efficiently harness the wave energy for electricity production. The validation results show that the optimum aperture angle for the WAD is 45±2 degree, and wave height magnification of 170% is possible. The optimal buoy shape for the device was confirmed as concave wedge buoy. The combination of the two in a single device shall make economical the harnessing of low amplitude waves.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF IRWEC1, A NOVEL OFFSHORE WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER
International Journal of Engineering, 2016
This paper describes the innovative offshore point-absorber wave energy converter (WEC), IRWEC1, under development by the Hydrodynamics, Acoustics and Marine propulsion Group at Babol Noshirvani University of Technology. Totally enclosed in an outer shell, with no external moving parts, IRWEC1 is completely sealed which make it a robust and trustable system. Important motion for this WEC is the pitch motion, so, a pendulum is designed for transferring this motion to the PTO. In this paper, the WEC is evaluated for a wide range of waves in the wave tank. The wave characteristics are presented by which the system had appropriate pitch motion and acceptable extracted electrical energy.