BREAKING WAVES, GENERATING POWER: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF WAVE ENERGY MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION
Main Article Content
Abstract
Wave energy, as a significant renewable resource, holds immense potential for large-scale utilization. However, current applications are limited, necessitating advancements in the energy conversion efficiency of wave energy devices. This paper introduces a wave energy power generation system comprising a float, a vibrator, and a Power Take-Off (PTO) mechanism, designed to enhance stability and efficiency. The float, serving as a barrier between the external environment and the internal power generation components, ensures a more stable power generation process.
When subjected to wave excitation, the float undergoes heave or swing motion, initiating relative movement between the internal swing device and the float. This movement drives the damper to perform work, with the accomplished work serving as the energy output. To achieve large-scale wave energy utilization, it becomes imperative to enhance the energy conversion efficiency of the device. In this study, we focus on the scenario where the float exclusively undergoes heave motion in response to wave action.
The research methodology involves calculating the velocity and heave displacement of the float and vibrator over 40 wave cycles. This is conducted under specific conditions: a damping coefficient of 10000 N • s/m and a damping coefficient-to-velocity ratio of 10000. To address this, we first establish an understanding of the energy conversion principles underlying this wave energy power generation system.
The float's external component isolates seawater from the internal power generation unit, ensuring heightened stability. The float, acting as the primary recipient of wave forces, experiences heave or swing motion. This motion creates relative movement between the internal swing device and the float, propelling the damper to perform work. The energy output represents the conversion of wave energy into mechanical energy and, ultimately, electrical energy through damper work.
To effectively analyze and solve the problem at hand, we determine the float's initial position, considering buoyancy, gravity balance, and various attribute parameters. Subsequently, we utilize a motion model for the floater and vibrator to establish differential equations, addressing the energy conversion and forces associated with wave energy. This comprehensive study provides insights into optimizing the heave displacement and velocity of the float and vibrator, furthering our understanding of the dynamics involved in wave energy power generation.