Abstract
Overtopping-type wave power conversion devices represent one of the most promising technology to combine reliability and competitively priced electricity supplies from waves. While satisfactory hydraulic and structural performance have been achieved, the selection of the hydraulic turbines and their regulation is a complex process due to the very low head and a variable flow rate in the overtopping breakwater set-ups. Based on the experience acquired on the first Overtopping BReakwater for Energy Conversion (OBREC) prototype, operating since 2016, an activity has been carried out to select the most appropriate turbine dimension and control strategy for such applications. An example of this multivariable approach is provided and illustrated through a case study in the San Antonio Port, along the central coast of Chile. In this site the deployment of a breakwater equipped with OBREC modules is specifically investigated. Axial-flow turbines of different runner diameter are compared, proposing the optimal ramp height and turbine control strategy for maximizing system energy production. The energy production ranges from 20.5 MWh/y for the smallest runner diameter to a maximum of 34.8 MWh/y for the largest runner diameter.
Highlights
Accepted: 27 July 2021The utilization of waves as a renewable energy source has spread worldwide
The present study aims at performing a multivariable optimization of an overtopping breakwater wave energy converter for maximizing the energy production
This paper presents the results of a multivariable optimization aimed at estimating the effects of crest level, turbine runner diameter and turbine control strategy on the performance of an Overtopping BReakwater for Energy Conversion (OBREC) device, located at San Antonio Port, Chile
Summary
The utilization of waves as a renewable energy source has spread worldwide. Many countries have been massively investing in the planning, installation, and operation of wave energy converters (WECs) [1]. Different WEC prototypes and device conceptualizations are reported in the technical literature [2,3,4,5,6]. Most of the available technologies are still in a prototype phase and not ready for commercialization. This is the consequence of various difficulties to be faced, such as the extreme weather conditions and the aggressive and challenging marine environment which make the construction and maintenance operations expensive
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