No abstract

A wave energy converter features the ability to convert wave energy into the electrical energy required by unmanned devices, and its energy-conversion efficiency is an essential aspect in practical applications. This paper proposes a novel point-absorption wave energy converter with passive morphing blades to meet the demand for improved energy-conversion efficiency. We first introduce its concept and design, with its blades forming their shape by adaptive changes with the direction of the water flow. Next, the three-dimensional geometrical-morphing model, energy-conversion model, and energy-conversion-efficiency model of the wave energy converter were established. Then, the CFD model was built to optimize the design parameters, and the simulation results revealed that the maximum conversion efficiency can be obtained at 90% solidity with 10 blades, a 40–60% load, and 20~25 degrees for the external deflection angle. The simulations also showed that the passive morphing-blade group provides ~40% higher torque and ~60% higher hydraulic efficiency than the flat-blade group.

The problem of insufficient power supply for unmanned marine equipment at sea limits its development and utilization. In this paper, we designed a power supply unit capable of absorbing wave energy and converting it into electricity, which helps to solve the problem of limited power supply ability. Its main structure is demonstrated by theoretical design and modeling, and its operating principle is presented. Its performance (power coefficient and torque coefficient) was numerically simulated via Computational Fluid Dynamics tools, and the effect of blade groups’ solidity on its operating performance was investigated. The study found that the blades of the blade groups can absorb more energy by arranging along the outer ring, and the energy conversion efficiency of the blade groups is related to their load.