Abstract
This study suggests a dynamic design process for deciding properly design parameters of a mass-spring type Wave Energy Converter (WEC) to achieve sufficient energy conversion from wave to power generator. The WEC mechanism, in this research, consists of a rigid sprung body, a platform, suspension springs and dampers. The rigid sprung body is supported on the platform via springs and dampers and vibrates translationally in the heave direction under wave excitation. At last the resulting heave motion of the sprung body is transmitted to rotating motion of the electric generator by rack and pinion, and transmission gears. For the purpose of vibration analysis, the WEC mechanism has been simply modelled as a mass-spring-damper system under harmonic base excitation. Its maximum displacement transmissibility and steady state response can be determined by using elementary vibration theory if the harmonic ocean wave data were provided. With the vibration analysis results, the suggested dynamic design process of WEC can determine all the design parameters of the WEC mechanism, such as sprung body mass, suspension spring constant, and damping coefficient that can give sufficient relative displacement transmissibility and the associated inertia moment to drive the electric generator and transmission gears.
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