Hydraulic Experiments on a Small-Scale Wave Energy Converter with an Unconventional Dummy Pto

Luca Martinelli, Matteo Volpato, Chiara Favaretto and Piero Ruol
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Luca Martinelli: Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Università di Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
Matteo Volpato: Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Università di Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
Chiara Favaretto: Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Università di Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
Piero Ruol: Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Università di Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 7, 1-12

Abstract: This paper investigates on a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) named Energy & Protection, 4th generation (EP4). The WEC couples the energy harvesting function with the purpose of protecting the coast from erosion. It is formed by a flap rolling with a single degree of freedom around a lower hinge. Small-scale tests were carried out in the wave flume of the maritime group of Padua University, aiming at the evaluation of the device efficiency. The test peculiarity is represented by the system used to simulate the Power Take Off (PTO). Such dummy PTO permits a free rotation of two degrees before engaging the shaft, allowing the flap to gain some inertia, and then applying a constant resistive moment. The EP4 was observed to reach a 35% efficiency, under short regular waves. The effects, in terms of coastal protection, are small but not negligible, at least for the shortest waves.

Keywords: wave energy converters; Power Take Off; EP4; latching; wave flume; floating; moorings; renewable electricity generation systems; SDEWES 2018 (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: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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