Improvement of a Rotary Vane Pump for an Ocean Wave Power Converter: Pendulor

Watabe, Tomiji; Yokouchi, Hirotaka; Kondo, Hideo; Inoya, Masaru; Kudo, Mamoru

doi:10.5739/isfp.1999.73

Cited by 1 publication

(2 citation statements)

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“…Although the Muroran Institute of Technology (Japan) produced the Pendulor device as a result of the work done in the early 1980s [1], several efforts continue to be made to improve it [2]. A good percentage of these studies were focused mainly only on experimental verification, and most reports recorded that a conversion efficiency of 40%-60% was possible by the systems for sea conditions prevailing in the Muroran bay at peak wave considitons [3][4][5]. The experimental laboratory results of these Pendulor devices indicated that the primary energy conversion efficiency can reach up to 82% for regular waves [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…All the studies reported good device performance for conversion efficiency. More recent studies have paid greater attention to improve the secondary power transmission unit, like the rotary vane pump [5]. In Japan and Korea recent research work studied a floating version of the device as an offshore version, in which the caisson is integrated into a stabilised floater [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Study on the Performance of the “Pendulor” Wave Energy Converter in an Array Configuration

Gunawardane

Kankanamge

Watabe³

2016

Energies

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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.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%