Abstract
This paper introduces the analysis and design of a wave energy converter (WEC) that is equipped with a novel kind of electrostatic power take-off system, known as dielectric elastomer generator (DEG). We propose a modelling approach which relies on the combination of nonlinear potential-flow hydrodynamics and electro-hyperelastic theory. Such a model makes it possible to predict the system response in operational conditions, and thus it is employed to design and evaluate a DEG-based WEC that features an effective dynamic response. The model is validated through the design and test of a small-scale prototype, whose dynamics is tuned with waves at tank-scale using a set of scaling rules for the DEG dimensions introduced here in order to comply with Froude similarity laws. Wave-tank tests are conducted in regular and irregular waves with a functional DEG system that is controlled using a realistic prediction-free strategy. Remarkable average performance in realistically scaled sea states has been recorded during experiments, with peaks of power output of up to 3.8 W, corresponding to hundreds of kilowatts at full-scale. The obtained results demonstrated the concrete possibility of designing DEG-based WEC devices that are conceived for large-scale electrical energy production.
Highlights
Ocean wave energy is a relevant source of renewable energy that presents attractive attributes such as high potential/concentration and very good predictability [1]
This paper introduces the analysis and design of a wave energy converter (WEC) that is equipped with a novel kind of electrostatic power take-off system, known as dielectric elastomer generator (DEG)
We introduce a more comprehensive modelling approach and we propose an improved architecture, referred to as polymer-based axial-symmetric oscillating water column (OWC), namely Poly-AOWC, featuring an axial-symmetric U-shaped collector equipped with a circular diaphragm DEG (CD-DEG) [15] at its top
Summary
Ocean wave energy is a relevant source of renewable energy that presents attractive attributes such as high potential/concentration and very good predictability [1]. DEGs are free from sliding/rolling moving parts and they are made of cheap soft materials that can tolerate harsh ocean environments where steel-made electromagnetic generators struggle These attributes combined with their high density of converted energy/power per unit mass make DEGs an extremely interesting option to replace conventional PTO technologies in the future. The combination of DEG–PTO in OWC architectures has been preliminary investigated through theoretical and experimental analysis [11,12], demonstrating the possibility of obtaining promising performance in terms of estimated energy/power output Those implementations were based an a very simplified modelling approach and on design solutions which are well conceived for the purpose of small-scale laboratory experiments but are unsuitable to be scaled-up. Electronic supplementary material is included which provides details of modelling theory and experimental methodologies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callMore From: Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
