Enhanced Power Extraction by Splitting a Single Flap-Type Wave Energy Converter into a Double Configuration

Flap-type wave energy converter is one of the oscillating surge devices for generating electricity from the ocean wave source. It comprises a vertical plate pivoted on a hinged base that oscillates rotationally due to the exciting wave. Splitting a single flap into two separated flaps in a double arrangement may cause different dynamic characteristics. This can improve the output extracted power versus the excitation period. Therefore, this effect is investigated in the present study through a dynamic mathematical model. The hydrodynamic coefficients and exciting torques in the equation are calculated based on the Boundary Element-based software of ANSYS AQWA. In the next step, the rotational displacement is calculated through the frequency domain approach based on the assumption of the regular monochromatic and head-on waves, and consequently, the maximum power is computed regarding the optimum power take-off damping strategy. Finally, in the same procedure as the single flap, the output power for the double arrangement is derived. The results show that decreasing the natural period for each flap can potentially cause a wideband response of the total power for the double configuration compared to the single one.

کلیدواژه ها:

Water Wave ، Oscillating Wave Surge Converter ، frequency domain analysis ، single and double flap