PeWEC: Experimental validation of wave to PTO numerical model

Abstract

In recent years, several efforts have been performed in order to make Wave Energy Converters (WECs) sufficiently profitable and reliable, for their integration in the renewable energy mix. Looking at the European scenario, the development of technologies has been carried out by the countries bordering on the Atlantic Ocean, where a greater energy potential is available. However, a higher potential means also a stronger wave climate during storms, that may compromise the plants survivability. Looking at the Mediterranean scenario, the lower energy potential is balanced by milder extreme condition that should facilitate devices reliability in such conditions. The research activities described in the present work aims to develop a pendulum converter (PeWEC: Pendulum Wave Energy Converter) specifically designed for the Mediterranean Sea climate. In this work, the mathematical model describing the PeWEC dynamics is given, together with experimental tank testing performed on a 1:12 scale prototype. Experimental data recorded during the testing campaign are used to validate the numerical model previously described, both in regular and in irregular sea states. The numerical model proved to be in good agreement with the experimental data.