Research on the Hydrodynamic Performance of a Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

Under the pressure of fossil energy shortage, rational exploitation of ocean wave energy is propitious to establish an environmentally friendly society. This paper presents the results of a practical research done in a test tank, on the hydrodynamic performance of a wave energy converter with swing arms and floaters designed purposely. Fixed on a trailer, the converter was composed of two floaters, two swing arms, mechanical transmission devices and generators. The method of this research was to measure the floater’s acceleration and the output voltages of the generator under the movement of waves, analysis the influence of wave height and period on floaters’ movement, then compute the wave energy conversion efficiency. At last, the research findings show that the converter performed well with heaving motion performance and high energy conversion efficiency.