Performance increase of wave energy harvesting of a guided point absorber

Abstract

The dynamics of a novel wave energy converter based on a guided inclined point absorber are investigated. Thereby, it is studied through simulations and experiments whether different inclination angles of the guided point absorber lead to larger motion amplitudes and velocities in regular and irregular waves, from which energy can be harvested. For that, different simulations and experimental setups are analyzed in the presence of wave forcing. In the case of irregular waves a random non-white Gaussian stochastic process based on a sea spectrum is used. It is shown that the inclination angle has a significant influence on the energy harvesting output. Based on this insight, a simple control strategy is introduced in order to further increase the energy harvesting output.

Hydrodynamic forces acting on mechanical systems in linear and nonlinear ocean waves

“…In the following, the component of the force 𝐅 and 𝐅 (𝑖) in the 𝑧-direction is denoted by 𝐹 3 and 𝐹 Here, 𝑚 is the total mass of the CFB and the guiding rods. Furthermore, 𝜆 is a constant that accounts for the total velocitydependent damping force from mechanical friction effects and viscous damping in the 𝑧-direction due to the fluid [11]. It has to be noted that 𝐹 (0)…”

“…\end{equation}$$Here, m is the total mass of the CFB and the guiding rods. Furthermore, λ is a constant that accounts for the total velocity‐dependent damping force from mechanical friction effects and viscous damping in the z ‐direction due to the fluid [11].…”

Investigation of the dynamics of a multibody wave energy converter excited by regular and irregular waves

“…In order to enhance the magnitude of harvested wave energy, in [14] it has been studied the behavior of a guided inclined point absorber in regular waves. It has been shown that by varying the inclination angle, the gained power can be enlarged significantly.…”

“…It has to be noted that the considered multibody WEC can freely float on the sea surface. This is an advantage, since no connection to the environment is needed to harvest energy, in contrast to the system shown in [14]. The multibody WEC presented in this study does not need this connection, since energy is harvested from the relative motion between the frame and the CFBs.…”

Analysis of the energy-capturing characteristics of floats for point absorption wave energy generators

“…Based on these trends, Fang designed and proposed a quality-adjustable float to adapt to different sea conditions [14]. Marten Hollm studied the energy-capturing characteristics of floats with different tilt states [15]. Ma analyzed the influences of the float shape, the maximum width, and the centroid position on the hydrodynamic performance of a float to be used in a wave energy conversion device operating in the harsh environment of the South China Sea [16].…”