Estimating the Energy Production Capacity of a Taut-Moored Dual-Body Wave Energy Conversion System Using Numerical Modeling and Physical Testing

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.

Modelling and Optimisation of Wave Energy Converters

“…The PB3 PowerBuoy ® (see Figure 1.14) is a WEC developed by Ocean Power Technologies, with an typical average power output of 8.4 kWh/day [87,609,377]. Some examples of full-scale prototype WECs include a device developed at Uppsala University [358] and tested off the west coast of Sweden in 2006, and the SeaBeav I [198,199], a 10 kW point absorber developed by Oregon State University and tested in 2007. Frequently, the types of point absorber described previously, can be challenging to install due to the necessity for them to be tethered to the sea-bed, and maintenance costs are generally expensive when compared with shore-mounted WECs.…”