Modeling and optimization of the chamber of OWC system

Abstract

Due to their non-polluting nature and environment friendliness, Renewable Energies have gained great deal of attention and deserve a substantial body of both theoretical and empirical research. Amongst other factors, the low operational cost and simple maintenance procedures attributed the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) are perhaps the main reasons why this system is the most used concept for the ocean wave energy capture. In this paper, through extensive experimental research various geometrical designs of an OWC system is investigated and the optimized set up for the maximum energy harness is obtained. The initial chamber dimensions were 10 × 50 × 53 cm with the chamber being placed in an open channel with wave-simulating equipment with dimensions of 16 × 0.7 × .05 m. For various chamber geometries, with the aid of a air rotameter and a Pitot tube equipped with a digital manometer, the outlet air flow and velocity from the chamber was measured and registered. The measurements were then interpreted to provide design data for the optimal geometry of the chamber that may yield the maximum conversion of wave energy to useful energy.