You are here

FAU Collections » FAU Research Repository » FAU Theses and Dissertations

Numerical Simulation and Performance Characterization of Two Wave Energy Converters

Download pdf | Full Screen View

Date Issued:
2022
Abstract/Description:
This research consists of the numerical model development and simulation of two prototype Wave Energy Convertor designs (WECs) across three simulation types. The first design is an oscillating body WEC called the Platypus designed to capture wave energy as three paddle arms actuate over the surface of the waves. The second design is an overtopping type WEC called the ROOWaC which captures and drains entrained water to generate power. Modeling of these systems was conducted using two techniques: the Morison load approach implemented using hydrodynamic response coefficients used to model the Platypus and a boundary element method (BEM) frequency-domain approach to model both WEC designs in the time domain. The BEM models included the development of hydrodynamic response coefficients using a discretized panel mesh of the system for calculation of added mass, excitation, and radiation forces. These three model families provided both performance predictions and power output information to WEC developers that supply important data for future full-scale designs. These models were used to predict power generation estimates for both WECs as follows: the Platypus WEC was predicted to have a maximum efficiency range between 14.5-35% and the ROOWaC WEC was predicted to generate a maximum peak average power of 19 W upon preliminary results.
Title: Numerical Simulation and Performance Characterization of Two Wave Energy Converters.
43 views
17 downloads
Name(s): DePietro, Abigail R. , author
VanZwieten, James , Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering and Computer Science
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2022
Date Issued: 2022
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 123 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: This research consists of the numerical model development and simulation of two prototype Wave Energy Convertor designs (WECs) across three simulation types. The first design is an oscillating body WEC called the Platypus designed to capture wave energy as three paddle arms actuate over the surface of the waves. The second design is an overtopping type WEC called the ROOWaC which captures and drains entrained water to generate power. Modeling of these systems was conducted using two techniques: the Morison load approach implemented using hydrodynamic response coefficients used to model the Platypus and a boundary element method (BEM) frequency-domain approach to model both WEC designs in the time domain. The BEM models included the development of hydrodynamic response coefficients using a discretized panel mesh of the system for calculation of added mass, excitation, and radiation forces. These three model families provided both performance predictions and power output information to WEC developers that supply important data for future full-scale designs. These models were used to predict power generation estimates for both WECs as follows: the Platypus WEC was predicted to have a maximum efficiency range between 14.5-35% and the ROOWaC WEC was predicted to generate a maximum peak average power of 19 W upon preliminary results.
Identifier: FA00013956 (IID)
Degree granted: Thesis (MS)--Florida Atlantic University, 2022.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Subject(s): Ocean energy resources--Research
Ocean wave power
Simulations
Mathematical methods and modelling
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013956
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.