No abstract

For the past several years an inter-disciplinary research group at Oregon State University (OSU), working in conjunction with Columbia Power Technologies (CPT) has been researching innovative direct-drive wave energy systems. These systems simplify the conversion of wave energy into electricity by eliminating intermediate energy conversion processes. In support of this research OSU and CPT have developed a hybrid numerical/physical modeling approach utilizing a large scale linear test bed (LTB), and a commercial coupled analysis tool. This paper will present an overview of this modeling approach and its application to the design of a 10kW prototype wave energy conversion system that was tested in the open ocean in the fall of 2008. The data gathered during ocean testing was used to calibrate the numerical model of the device and predict the energy capture potential of the system.

This paper presents an innovative modeling technique that combines experimental force measurements from a full scale linear generator with a coupled model of a two body, moored floating system to investigate the performance of a wave energy conversion system. An experiment was conducted using the Oregon State University’s wave energy linear test bed to characterize the frictional and electromagnetic forces generated by the SeaBeavI linear generator. These force characteristics have been incorporated into a coupled model using a numerical fluid-structure interaction model, OrcaFlex, to predict the energy extraction potential of the system.

No abstract

This paper presents an innovative technique for evaluating the performance of direct-drive power take-off systems for wave energy devices using simulated force and velocity profiles. The performance of a linear generator was evaluated in a realistic operating condition using the results from a coupled model of a taut moored, dual body, and wave energy conversion system as position input for Oregon State University’s wave energy linear test bed. The experimental results from the linear test bed can be compared with the predictions of the simulation and used to evaluate the efficiency of the generator.