For over three decades the "Pendulor" wave energy device has had a significant influence in this field, triggering several research endeavours. It includes a top-hinged flap propelled by the standing waves produced in a caisson with a back wall on the leeward side. However, one of the main disadvantages which impedes its progress is the enormous expense involved in the construction of the custom made typical caisson structure, about a little more than one-quarter of the wave length. In this study, the influence of such design parameters on the performance of the device is investigated, via numerical modelling for a device arranged in an array configuration, for irregular waves. The potential wave theory is applied to derive the frequency-dependent hydrodynamic parameters by making a distinction in the fluid domain into a separate sea side and lee side. The Cummins equation was utilised for the development of the time domain equation of motion while the transfer function estimation methods were used to solve the convolution integrals. Finally, the device was tested numerically for irregular wave conditions for a 50 kW class unit. It was observed that in irregular wave operating conditions, the caisson chamber length could be reduced by 40% of the value estimated for the regular waves. Besides, the device demonstrated around 80% capture efficiency for irregular waves thus allowing provision for avoiding the employment of any active control.
A wave power converter: Pendulor, works with 40% efficiency at an optimal condition. Irrespective of change the wave climate, an Autonomous Optimization Control (AOC) adjusts hydrostatic power transmission to keep the Pendulor in the best match with the waves. This is a new system to know the wave climate from the Pendulor motion. AOC improves the system reliability and solves load sharing problem in the HST lines.
Utilizationof ocean wave power is one of our dreams.A system introduced here "Pendulor" has pendulums which resonate in the exciting wave motion and the pendulums drive a generator via hydrostatic drive system. We believe, this "P endulor" would bring the dream in our life.The combination of the pendulum ( mechanical power transfer) and the HST ( hydraulic power transfer ) gave 40% overall efficiency in ocean testing, having a basic matching of their huge thrust force -low speed features . The Pendulor absorbs wave force and makes little reflecting waves so effectively that the caisson attached it can become an improved breakwater. 25 yen/kWH or 9.4 yen/kWH are expected using a proto-type Pendulor designed here, including with or without caisson cost.
KEY WORDSFluid Power System, Ocean Engineering, Systems Engineering, Power Plant.
A series of study on wave power extractors which may utilize a part of the coastal structures has been performed by the group of faculties of Muroran Institute of Technology since 1978. Three kinds of extractor belonging to the so-called fixed type had been developed and studied in the laboratory. They are the air chamber with flap, the wave turbine system and the pendulor system. The last two systems have been subsequently studied at the field test plant constructed at Port Muroran. The study shows that the pendulor system brings an excellent power conversion efficiency.
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