Study on the Performance of the “Pendulor” Wave Energy Converter in an Array Configuration

Sudath Prasanna Gunawardane, Chathura Jayan Kankanamge and Tomiji Watabe
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Sudath Prasanna Gunawardane: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
Chathura Jayan Kankanamge: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka
Tomiji Watabe: T-Wave Consultant Volunteer, 5-23-3, Misono, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0036, Japan

Energies, 2016, vol. 9, issue 4, 1-26

Abstract: For over three decades the “Pendulor” wave energy device has had a significant influence in this field, triggering several research endeavours. It includes a top-hinged flap propelled by the standing waves produced in a caisson with a back wall on the leeward side. However, one of the main disadvantages which impedes its progress is the enormous expense involved in the construction of the custom made typical caisson structure, about a little more than one-quarter of the wave length. In this study, the influence of such design parameters on the performance of the device is investigated, via numerical modelling for a device arranged in an array configuration, for irregular waves. The potential wave theory is applied to derive the frequency-dependent hydrodynamic parameters by making a distinction in the fluid domain into a separate sea side and lee side. The Cummins equation was utilised for the development of the time domain equation of motion while the transfer function estimation methods were used to solve the convolution integrals. Finally, the device was tested numerically for irregular wave conditions for a 50 kW class unit. It was observed that in irregular wave operating conditions, the caisson chamber length could be reduced by 40% of the value estimated for the regular waves. Besides, the device demonstrated around 80% capture efficiency for irregular waves thus allowing provision for avoiding the employment of any active control.

Keywords: wave energy; Pendulor; time domain model; frequency domain model; flap device; caisson length; chamber length (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: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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