Abstract
This paper presents, assesses, and optimizes a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) through numerical modeling, simulation, and analysis in both frequency and time domain. Wave energy conversion is a technology especially suited for assisting in power generation in the offshore oil and gas platforms. A linear frequency domain model is created to predict the behavior of the heaving point absorber WEC system. The hydrodynamic parameters are obtained with AQWA, a software package based on boundary element methods. A linear external damping coefficient is applied to enable power absorption, and an external spring force is introduced to tune the point absorber to the incoming wave conditions. The external damping coefficient and external spring forces are the control parameters, which need to be optimized to maximize the power absorption. Two buoy shapes are tested and a variety of diameters and drafts are compared. Optimal shape, draft, and diameter of the model are then determined to maximize its power absorption capacity. Based on the results generated from the frequency domain analysis, a time domain analysis was also conducted to derive the responses of the WEC in the hydrodynamic time response domain. The time domain analysis results allowed us to estimate the power output of this WEC system.
Highlights
As concerns about rising fossil fuel prices, energy security, climate change, and environmental pollution, renewable energy can play a key role in producing local, clean, and inexhaustible energy to supply global growing demand for electricity
This paper presents, assesses, and optimizes a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) through numerical modeling, simulation, and analysis in both frequency and time domain
Based on the results generated from the frequency domain analysis, a time domain analysis was conducted to derive the responses of the WEC in the hydrodynamic time response domain
Summary
As concerns about rising fossil fuel prices, energy security, climate change, and environmental pollution, renewable energy can play a key role in producing local, clean, and inexhaustible energy to supply global growing demand for electricity. Based on the authors’ previous study and following a complete approach of system design, modeling and simulation, parametric study, and optimization, it was found that among different types of wave energy conversion devices, a point absorbing wave energy converter (WEC) with a direct drive power take-off (PTO) system is most efficient and beneficial in converting the low-speed oscillating motion of ocean waves [2]. Comparing to other types of WECs (attenuators, terminators, etc.), the point absorber is relatively small in size and often used in arrays, where multiple devices are attached in series or parallel to capture energy in a large amount It can be used in offshore for various depths of. Flowchart illustrating how to combine the two types of analysis to estimate the output power
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