Modeling and Analysis of an Inertia Wave Energy Converter and Its Optimal Design

Abstract

A novel structural design of a wave energy converter (WEC) is proposed, utilizing a gyroscope as the main component for energy absorption. A vacuum-sealed, high-speed flywheel is implemented within the gyroscope to convert energy and reduce energy loss from air resistance. A dynamic model that considers the response of the floater, gyroscope, and power take-off (PTO) system with multi-degree-of-freedom (DoF) wave excitations is created. The primary parameters such as flywheel speed, damping, and stiffness of the WEC system that affect the gyroscope and PTO on energy absorption are analyzed through numerical simulations. The simulation results demonstrate that changes to these parameters can significantly impact the energy-absorption peak value. Furthermore, an improved multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on the decomposition (MOEA/D) algorithm is applied to optimize key parameters, such as the power conversion and gyro precession of the WEC system, using a hybrid constraint handling strategy for enhanced diversity and the HV value as the evaluation criterion. The optimal design solution is selected from the Pareto solution set using a technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) method based on entropy weighting so that technical guidance can be provided for the design and control of the WEC system.