Abstract
In this paper, a shape optimization method of a truncated conical point absorber wave energy converter is proposed. This method converts the wave energy absorption efficiency into the matching problem between the wave spectrum of the South China Sea and the buoy’s absorption power spectrum. An objective function which combines these two spectra is established to reflect the energy absorbing efficiency. By applying Taguchi design, the frequency domain hydrodynamic analysis and the response surface method (RSM), the radius, cone angle and draft of the buoy are optimized. Since the significant influence of power take-off system (PTO) on energy absorption, the optimal PTO damping under random wave conditions is also studied. The optimal shape is acquired by maximizing the energy absorbing efficiency. Four types of performance and the influence of each geometrical parameter are also obtained. In addition, the cause of the trend of performance as well as the effects of adjusting the input parameters are analyzed. This study can provide guidance for the shape optimization of multi-parameter buoys.
Highlights
In recent decades, in order to obtain wave energy with a high energy density, the development of wave energy converters (WECs) has received increased attention
Thousands of WEC prototypes have been developed, which can be classified into three types according to Falcão [2]: oscillating water column (OWC), overtopping device and oscillating body device
Since physical modelling is widely applied in the optimization of OWC devices, Viviano [3,4] studied the difference between the nonlinear results of small scale model and largescale model, which contributes to correct the scale effect of the results obtained from physical model experiments
Summary
In order to obtain wave energy with a high energy density, the development of wave energy converters (WECs) has received increased attention. Thousands of WEC prototypes have been developed, which can be classified into three types according to Falcão [2]: oscillating water column (OWC), overtopping device and oscillating body device. Falcão [5] and Gomes [6] concentrate on improving the performance of a floating OWC spar buoy by optimizing the tube geometry and turbine characteristic. As for overtopping devices, Martins [7] performed a numerical study for evaluation of the geometry influence over the dimensionless available power of nearshore overtopping WECs
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