Abstract
Tupperwave is a wave energy device based on the Oscillating-Water-Column (OWC) concept. Unlike a conventional OWC, which creates a bidirectional air flow across the self-rectifying turbine, the Tupperwave device uses rectifying valves to create a smooth unidirectional air flow, which is harnessed by a unidirectional turbine. This paper deals with the development and validation of time-domain numerical models from wave to pneumatic power for the Tupperwave device and the conventional OWC device using the same floating spar buoy structure. The numerical models are built using coupled hydrodynamic and thermodynamic equations. The isentropic assumption is used to describe the thermodynamic processes. A tank testing campaign of the two devices at 1/24th scale is described, and the results are used to validate the numerical models. The capacity of the innovative Tupperwave OWC concept to convert wave energy into useful pneumatic energy to the turbine is assessed and compared to the corresponding conventional OWC.
Highlights
Waves are an ocean energy resource, which has the potential to contribute in the offshore renewable energy mix
The results show that the smoothing of the pneumatic power achieved by the Tupperwave device was significant, but made at the expense of important pneumatic power losses in the valves, resulting in lower power performance of the Tupperwave device
The models considered the conversion of wave power to pneumatic power and were built using hydrodynamic and thermodynamic equations
Summary
Waves are an ocean energy resource, which has the potential to contribute in the offshore renewable energy mix. The air contained in the OWC chamber flows across the turbine at high speed, transforming the slow motion and high forces from the waves into a fast rotational speed and low torque at the turbine. This primary conversion of the wave power into pneumatic power acts as a non-mechanical gear-box and constitutes a huge advantage in terms of maintenance and survivability. OWC devices are among the most studied type of wave energy technologies, and their principle is used in various forms
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call