Current status of self rectifying air turbines for wave energy conversion

A small segmented oscillating water column using a savonius rotor turbine

“…The normal arrangement for an oscillating water column (as studied here) utilizes a bi-directional air turbine. These can take the form of a Wells turbine or impulse turbine and these were extensively reviewed in [6]. This paper will introduce the use of a Savonius rotor into the oscillating water column as a possible alternative.…”

Experimental Research on Performances of Air Turbines for a Fixed Oscillating Water Column-Type Wave Energy Converter

“…As concerns the secondary conversion, by means of the test rig having a piston-cylinder to generate the oscillating air flow, the performance of the air turbine was evaluated in a series of studies. Setoguchi et al [9,10] reviewed a variety of experimental results concerning the performances of the Wells turbine and the impulse turbine. Besides, Takao et al [11] showed that the impulse turbine was superior to the Wells turbine in a wide flow rate range.…”

Optimization and Annual Average Power Predictions of a Backward Bent Duct Buoy Oscillating Water Column Device Using the Wells Turbine.

“…Since the performance model is limited to linear systems, the only primary converter considered in this paper is the self-rectifying Wells Turbine. This turbine choice in no longer predominant in industry since the peak value and bandwidth of the efficiency is known to be inferior to other turbines [11].…”

“…Many studies [8][9][10][11] have evaluated the effects of the pneumatic-to-electric power conversion equipment on the power output of OWC devices. There are multiple options for the primary converter which takes the incident pneumatic power and turns it into mechanical power: Wells Turbine (fixed or variable pitched), impulse turbine, a Denniss-Auld turbine or a radial turbine.…”