Annual performance of the second-generation variable-geometry oscillating surge wave energy converter

RENEWABLE ENERGY

卷:177

Article

Kelly, Michael¹  Tom, Nathan²  Yu, Yi-Hsiang²  Wright, Alan²  Lawson, Michael² 

[1] Univ Calif Berkeley, Dept Mech Engn, 2521 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709 USA

[2] Natl Renewable Energy Lab, MS 3811,15013 Denver West Pkwy, Golden, MS USA

关键词: Oscillating surge wave energy converter;    Variable geometry;    Power-take-off control;    Structural loading;    Geometry control;    Wave energy;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.renene.2020.11.075

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Recent studies in wave energy have highlighted the need for a structured innovation approach in wave energy converter (WEC) design because cost-of-energy estimates have remained high. One such inno-vation being investigated by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is WEC geometry control, which uses control surfaces in combination with an oscillating surge WEC (OSWEC) to increase device avail-ability and power generation while limiting structural costs. This study performs the first analysis of annual performance for a novel OSWEC with geometry control to understand how the geometry control affects availability, annual power generation, and structural loadings like the power-take-off (PTO) tor-que or surge foundation force. Device hydrodynamic coefficients are calculated using linear potential theory for six geometry configurations. A nonideal PTO system is assumed and quadratic viscous damping losses are considered. Annual performance is evaluated and compared for three U.S. wave energy sites. The WEC geometry and PTO system are controlled on a sea-state basis to optimize for power capture while remaining under limits set on motion amplitude and structural loads. Results indicate that geometry control can increase availability up to 25 days in an average year depending on design limits, increase average power generation, and significantly reduce peak structural loads. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free