Design and modeling of an innovative wave energy converter using dielectric electro-active polymers generator

Abstract

This paper proposes a design and modeling of an innovative wave energy converter using Dielectric electro active polymer (DEAP). Firstly, an accurate model of conventional DEAP generator is investigated and validated under a specific range of ocean waves. Then, a structure design of an antagonistic DEAP generator so-called energy capture unit (ECU), which consists of two DEAPs in antagonistic connection mode to increase harvested energy efficiency, is modeled and validated by experimental data. A new design of WECs is then developed with array of ECUs to increase the output energy. In addition, by using the linear potential wave theory, the hydrodynamic forces are calculated under regular wave conditions. Consequently, a complete analytical model of the proposed WECs using multiple ECUs under hydrodynamic behavior is then obtained to investigate the performance of energy conversion. Finally, based on the developed analytical model, the stretch ratio known as an important factor to efficiency and output power is investigated under the influence of the floating buoy’s mass. Then, the resonance behavior of the WECs with a typical wave frequ ncy can be tuned by optimizing the floating’s mass to increase the degree of utilization of the device. The simulation results indicate hat the efficiency of wave energy converter can be up to 25% thanks to resonance behavior.