Optimization of Low Head Axial-Flow Turbines for an Overtopping BReakwater for Energy Conversion: A Case Study

Antonio Mariani, Gaetano Crispino, Pasquale Contestabile, Furio Cascetta, Corrado Gisonni, Diego Vicinanza and Andrea Unich
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Antonio Mariani: Department of Engineering, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Gaetano Crispino: Department of Engineering, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Pasquale Contestabile: Department of Engineering, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Furio Cascetta: Department of Engineering, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Corrado Gisonni: Department of Engineering, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Diego Vicinanza: Department of Engineering, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81031 Aversa, Italy
Andrea Unich: Department of Engineering, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81031 Aversa, Italy

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 15, 1-20

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.

Keywords: wave energy; overtopping; low head axial-flow turbine (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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