Studies on a Pendulor type wave energy converter. Subsequent operations of Muroran experimental plant.

Abstract

The difficulty of making wave energy practical is to reduce the energy cost to an acceptable level. We have been studying the Pendulor type wave energy converter for this purpose, because it has excellent merits ; it is simple, highly efficient, and safe. We previously reported on a coastal experiment on the Pendulor installed outside the Muroran port. During the four years of the experiment, the Pendulor was often attacked by storms and was once broken after 20 months of operation. We investigated the cause of the damage and found the best way to prevent harmful power against the Pendulor. The Pendulor was improved by applying the measures derived from our investigations, which have made the wave energy system stronger and more efficient.