Wave energy converter with multiple degrees of freedom for sustainable repurposing of decommissioned offshore platforms: An experimental study

Abstract

Targeting at the sustainable repurposing of decommissioned offshore platforms, a novel wave energy converter with a distinct mechanical-motion-rectifier power take-off system is developed to provide renewable energy. A scaled prototype is constructed and experimentally investigated in a large wave tank, as an essential step before sea trials. A new phenomenon of parametric oscillation is observed and explored, as physical evidence of chaotic instabilities of wave energy devices. Several advantages of the multi-degree-of-freedom device over its single-degree-of-freedom counterpart are disclosed physically for the first time. Releasing the pitch and roll degrees of freedom helps enlarge the heave amplitude of the energy-absorbing buoy, receive a larger hydrodynamic force from water waves to the power take-off system, reduce structural deflection and friction of the transmission machinery, and eliminate spiky and noisy vibrations of the internal force. Accordingly, the maximum efficiencies in the energy absorption and transmission stages increase from 45% and 11% to 90% and 30%, respectively; the overall efficiency of energy conversion is increased by up to three times in a broad spectrum of wave conditions.