Research on the Hydrodynamic Performance of a Wave Energy Converter

Abstract:

Under the pressure of fossil energy shortage, rational exploitation of ocean wave energy is propitious to establish an environmentally friendly society. This paper presents the results of a practical research done in a test tank, on the hydrodynamic performance of a wave energy converter with swing arms and floaters designed purposely. Fixed on a trailer, the converter was composed of two floaters, two swing arms, mechanical transmission devices and generators. The method of this research was to measure the floater’s acceleration and the output voltages of the generator under the movement of waves, analysis the influence of wave height and period on floaters’ movement, then compute the wave energy conversion efficiency. At last, the research findings show that the converter performed well with heaving motion performance and high energy conversion efficiency.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 986-987)
• Pages: 956-962
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.986-987.956
• Online since: July 2014
• Authors: Xiong Bo Zheng*, Yu Nong Yang
• Keywords: Hydrodynamic Performance, Numerical Calculation, Wave Energy

References

[1] Cruz J. Ocean wave energy: Current status and future prepectives[M]. Berlin: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, (2008).

[2] British Petroleum. Statistical Review of World Energy[Z]. (2010).

[3] Wang Chuankun, Lu Wei. Analysis method of ocean energy resource and storage estimation[R]. Beijing: Ocean Publisher, (2009).

[4] You Yage. Ocean energy progress of China[J]. China Science and Technology Achievements, 2007, 16(3): 18-20.

[5] Ren Jiali, Zhong Yingjie, Zhang Xuemei, et al. State of arts and prospects in the power generation from oceanic wave[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University of Technology, 2006, 2(1): 69-73.

[6] Clement A, McCullen, Falcao A, et al. Wave energy in Europe: current status and perspectives[J]. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2002, 6(5): 405-431.

[7] Smith H C M, Pearce C, Millar D L. Further analysis of change in nearshore wave climate due to an offshore wave farm: An enhanced case study for the Wave Hub site[J]. Renewable energy, 2012, 40(1): 51-64.

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2011.09.003

[8] Henderson R. Design , simulation, and testing of a novel hydraulic power take-off system for the Pelamis wave energy converter[J]. Renewable Energy, 2006, 31(2): 271-283.

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2005.08.021

[9] Pecher A, Kofoed J P, Espedal J. et al. Results of an experimental study of the langlee wave energy converter[C]. Proceedings of the 20th International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference, Beijing, China, June 20-25, (2010).

[10] Gou Yanfen, Ye Jiawei, Li Feng, Wang Dongjiao. Investigation on the wave power device[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2008, 29(4): 498-501.

[11] Su Y L, You Y G, Zheng Y H. Investigation on the oscillating buoy wave power device[J]. China Ocean Engineering, 2002, 16(1): 142-145.

[12] M.E. Mccormick. Ocean wave energy conversion[M]. Beijing: Ocean Publisher, (1985).