Optimization and Time-Domain Simulation of the SEAREV Wave Energy Converter

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aure´lien Babarit ◽  
Alain H. Cle´ment ◽  
Jean-Christophe Gilloteaux
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Mechanical Characteristics ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Floating Body ◽  
Time Domain Simulation ◽  
Regular Waves ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Working Principle ◽  
Latching Control

This paper introduces a new second generation wave energy converter concept named SEAREV [Systeme Electrique Autonome de Recuperation d’Energie des Vagues]. The working principle and linearized equations of the device are described. It is shown how energy absorption depends on the shape of the external floating body and on the mechanical characteristics of the moving mass. This allows to numerically optimize the geometry of the device. Latching control is used to further improve the capture width of the system, with success in regular waves.

Experimental studies and time-domain simulation of a hinged-type wave energy converter in regular waves

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Hongxuan (Heather) Peng ◽  
Wei Qiu ◽  
Wei Meng ◽  
Meng Chen ◽  
Brian Lundrigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Time Domain Simulation ◽  
Regular Waves ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Type Wave

Comparison of Physical Model Tests With a Time Domain Simulation Model of a Wave Energy Converter

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan S. Nicoll ◽  
Charles F. Wood ◽  
André R. Roy
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Ocean Dynamics ◽  
Time Domain Simulation ◽  
Wave Energy Conversion ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Energy Conversion Systems ◽  
The Time Domain

Development of wave energy conversion systems may yield many key benefits for society such as the production of electrical power or fresh water for remote communities. However, complex ocean dynamics make it difficult for technology developers to not only address the stability and survivability of their systems, but also to establish energy conversion rates that are fundamental to proving economic viability. Building physical prototypes presents many challenges in terms of cost, accessible facilities, and time requirements. The use of accurate numerical modelling and computer simulation can help guide design and significantly reduce the number of physical prototype tests required and as a result play a primary role in the development of wave energy conversion systems that have to operate in challenging marine environments. SurfPower is an ocean wave energy converter (WEC) that converts wave motion into useful energy through surge and heave motion of a point absorber. The system pumps seawater into a high pressure hydraulic network that generates electricity via a turbine or freshwater via desalination at a facility onshore. The system is nonlinear due to the significant change in draft and mooring reaction load through the energy capture cycle of the device. This makes the use of nonlinear time domain simulation ideal for analysis and design of the system. Furthermore, utilizing a simplified nonlinear hydrodynamic model available in the time domain results in a practical early-stage design tool for system refinement. The focus of this work is to compare the results of scale model testing completed at the Institute for Ocean Technology in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with results produced from an equivalent system simulated in the time domain simulation software ProteusDS. The results give an assessment of the range of error that can be used to assess other experiments of the SurfPower WEC at full scale.

scholarly journals The underwater resonant airbag: a new wave energy converter

2018 ◽  
Vol 474 (2215) ◽  
pp. 20170192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis J. M. Farley
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
New Wave ◽  
Time Domain Simulation ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
The Time Domain ◽  
Two Peaks

The time-domain simulation follows the heaving of the conical float in waves and calculates the bag shape, ballast motion, adiabatic air pressure and the flow through the turbine. There are two independent oscillators, the float with its resonance and the bag/ballast with its resonance. The coupling of the two oscillators gives rise to a wide band response with two peaks in the capture width each reaching the theoretical λ /2 π . In this new wave energy converter, apart from the turbine, there are no mechanical moving parts, no joints nor pistons, no end stops nor sliding seals, no flaps nor one-way valves. The expected life of the airtight flexible bag remains to be determined, but potential manufacturers are optimistic.

scholarly journals Application of the Latching Control System on the Power Performance of a Wave Energy Converter Characterized by Gearbox, Flywheel, and Electrical Generator

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo O. Guarniz Avalos ◽  
Milad Shadman ◽  
Segen F. Estefen
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
Linear Theory ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Gear Ratio ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Floating Body ◽  
Power Performance ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Mean Power ◽  
Latching Control

Abstract The latching control represents an attractive alternative to increase the power absorption of wave energy converters (WECs) by tuning the phase of oscillator velocity to the wave excitation phase. However, increasing the amplitude of motion of the floating body is not the only challenge to obtain a good performance of the WEC. It also depends on the efficiency of the power take-off system (PTO). This study aims to address the actual power performance and operation of a heaving point absorber with a direct mechanical drive PTO system controlled by latching. The PTO characteristics, such as the gear ratio, the flywheel inertia, and the electric generator, are analyzed in the WEC performance. Three cylindrical point absorbers are also considered in the present study. A wave-to-wire model is developed to simulate the coupled hydro-electro-mechanical system in regular waves. The wave energy converter (WEC) performance is analyzed using the potential linear theory but considering the viscous damping effect according to the Morison equation to avoid the overestimated responses of the linear theory near resonance when the latching control system is applied. The latching control system increases the mean power. However, the increase is not significant if the parameters that characterize the WEC provide a considerable mean power. The performance of the proposed mechanical power take-off depends on the gear ratio and flywheel. However, the gear ratio shows a more significant influence than the flywheel inertia. The operating range of the generator and the diameter/draft ratio of the buoy also influence the PTO performance.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document