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Experimental and validation study on the performance and hydrodynamic modelling of a heave attitude self-sustaining wave energy converter

Author

Listed:
  • Yu, Mingqi
  • Cao, Feifei
  • Shi, Hongda
  • Ma, Xu
  • Yi, Xi
  • Wu, Weimin
  • Zhang, Xiantao

Abstract

Despite the advantages of the rocker-type wave energy converter (WEC), such as an uncomplicated structure and easy maintenance, its constrained circular motion trajectory prevents the buoy from maintaining a stable heave attitude, impacting the efficiency of energy capture. This study introduces a novel heave attitude self-sustaining wave energy converter (HASS-WEC) that combines the excellent wave-following ability of heave-type WECs with the maintenance simplicity of rocker-type WECs. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of HASS-WEC under various conditions, including changes in wave characteristics, WEC layout, and initial tilt angle of connecting rods. The findings indicated that the initial inclination of the connecting rod influences the resonance properties of HASS-WEC, pre-setting the angle enhances energy capture efficiency and accommodates tidal water level variations, achieving a maximum capture width ratio of 0.7. Furthermore, waves incident from behind increase the heave amplitude of HASS-WEC by up to 10 % compared to waves from ahead. Finally, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model was established and validated against experimental data. The results show that the established model has satisfactory stability and accuracy, offering a foundation for further research on HASS-WEC. The presented HASS-WEC provides fresh insights and guidance for efficiently developing and promoting wave energy utilisation.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Mingqi & Cao, Feifei & Shi, Hongda & Ma, Xu & Yi, Xi & Wu, Weimin & Zhang, Xiantao, 2025. "Experimental and validation study on the performance and hydrodynamic modelling of a heave attitude self-sustaining wave energy converter," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 328(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:328:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225021620
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136520
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    References listed on IDEAS

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