Improving the OWC Wave Energy Converter Power Take-Off Efficiency throughout Experimental and Numerical Characterisation of an SCIG

Joseba Lopez-Mendia (), Eider Robles, Salvador Ceballos, Pablo Ruiz-Minguela and Jacobo Rotger
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Joseba Lopez-Mendia: TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 700 E, 48160 Derio, Spain
Eider Robles: TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 700 E, 48160 Derio, Spain
Salvador Ceballos: TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 700 E, 48160 Derio, Spain
Pablo Ruiz-Minguela: TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 700 E, 48160 Derio, Spain
Jacobo Rotger: Energy Engineering Department, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48013 Bilbao, Spain

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-22

Abstract: The increasing interest in the use of renewable energy technologies is directing attention towards the potential contribution of marine energy technologies, especially ocean wave energy, to world energy demand. While open-sea demonstrations of full-scale devices have been carried out to validate several technologies, the focus now is shifting to optimising the components for efficiency and reliability. The efficiency of the electrical generator plays a crucial role in wave-to-wire numerical models for converting wave energy into usable electricity. It provides essential data that enables the industry to reduce technical risks and uncertainties. Wave-to-wire models typically simplify the generator’s efficiency through assuming a single curve based on the load. This curve is usually provided by the machine manufacturers for the nominal rotational speed. However, the rotational speed varies in the case of air turbines used in OWC devices. Therefore, to accurately estimate decision variables derived from these models, a comprehensive efficiency map is necessary. This map should demonstrate the performance at different rotational speeds and loads, as it directly influences the estimation of key parameters. The main objective of the present work is to improve the generator behaviour of an OWC for different generator operation regimes. For this purpose, a numerical model of the generator’s efficiency will be developed throughout the segregation of losses and validated experimentally. Finally, an optimal control law will be presented to maximise the electrical power output of the wave energy converter, considering the efficiency of both the generator and the turbine.

Keywords: wave energy converters; OWC; power take-off; induction generator; test bench; efficiency; equivalent circuit; segregation losses (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: 2024
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