Optimal Placement of a New Wave Energy Converter–Tilt-Ladder-Breakwater

Abstract

A series of indoor experiment were carried out to investigate the optimal placement of a new type of wave energy converter, the tilt-ladder-breakwater (TLB). The TLB is a Chinese patented device that transforms the wave energy into current energy to create electricity. The main part of this device is a breakwater with its wave-ward front-wall composing of tilt ladders. The tilt ladders are used to beak waves and guide the current into their low end to provide concentrated energy for the generation of electric power. This device is simple and low-cost in construction and high efficient in power-generation. It has great application prosperity in coastal areas. For the purpose of obtaining an optimal orientation of TLB, a series of experimental tests were carried out. The concentrated current forces (𝐹) at the low end of tilt ladders were measured. The results show that the incident wave angle (𝜃) has significant effect on current force. In all the tests, 𝐹 reaches maximum at 35°- 45° incident wave conditions. For 𝜃 < 35°, 𝐹 is decreasing with the decreasing of 𝜃. For 𝜃 > 45°, 𝐹 is decreasing with the increasing of 𝜃. Aiming at obtaining the highest efficiency of energy transforming from wave into current for electric-powergeneration, it is determined that the optimal angle between TLB and the incident wave is in the range of [35° − 45°].