Numerical analysis of a new multi-body floating wave energy converter with a linear power take-off system

Srinivasan Chandrasekaran and V.V.S. Sricharan

Renewable Energy, 2020, vol. 159, issue C, 250-271

Abstract: A floating wave energy converter (FWEC) with central buoy (CB), circumferentially connected by a set of four, smoothly-finished tubular floats is proposed. The central buoy and floats are connected rigidly at one end while the other end is hinged, enabling a relative motion. The rotation of floats about the CB represents the energy extraction mode of the device. Float shapes of five different configurations, including a newly-proposed ‘bean float,’ are investigated to estimate their power outputs with linear PTO. FWEC remains afloat and re-centered using taut-moored tethers. The frequency-domain model is utilized to determine the hydrodynamic coefficients of the device, assuming a Potential Wave Theory (PWT). The research evaluates the impact of the obtained hydrodynamic coefficients on the average power absorbed by the FWEC. The influence of a linear power take-off (PTO) system on the average power output of FWEC is studied by optimization of the damping coefficients for the encountered regular waves. Further, time-domain analysis is carried out on the ‘bean float’ - FWEC configuration using an open-source computer-aided engineering tool called WEC-Sim (Wave Energy Converter Simulator), and MATLAB® - Simulink® implementing nonlinear buoyancy and Froude-Krylov forces.

Keywords: Floating wave energy converter; Point absorber; Nonlinear Froude-Krylov; Multi-body WEC; Power take-off (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:159:y:2020:i:c:p:250-271

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.06.007

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