Model Test and Sea Trial of a Multi-Absorber 1 MW Wave Energy Converter

Min Chen, Songwei Sheng (), Yaqun Zhang, Zhenpeng Wang, Kunlin Wang and Jiaqiang Jiang
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Min Chen: Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
Songwei Sheng: Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
Yaqun Zhang: Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
Zhenpeng Wang: Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
Kunlin Wang: Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
Jiaqiang Jiang: Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-20

Abstract: An innovative multi-absorber 1 MW wave energy converter (WEC), Nankun, is proposed for efficient wave energy extraction. It comprises a semi-submersible floating platform, a wave energy capture mechanism, a hydraulic energy conversion system, and a mooring system. The WEC operates by converting fluctuating wave power into stable electrical output through a unique sharp eagle-shaped wave absorber coupled with a hydraulic energy conversion module. Scaled model experiments (1:25) demonstrated energy-capture efficiency ranges predominantly between 30% and 50% across 0.8–1.4 s wave periods, with a peak of 56.17%. Analysis of the wave direction effect revealed that the device achieved significantly a higher energy capture at 180 deg compared with 0 deg wave headings, with a relative efficiency ratio of approximately 1.0:0.6~0.8. A full-scale prototype with 10 absorbers was deployed in the South China Sea, achieving grid connection in November 2023. Operational data confirmed viability and generation capacity, with the peak daily output reaching 9850 kWh and a cumulative production of 89,852 kWh over 20 days.

Keywords: wave energy; multi-absorber 1 MW WEC; energy capture efficiency; wave direction effect; model test; sea trial (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: 2025
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