Annual Performance of the Second-Generation Variable-Geometry Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter

Michael Kelly, Nathan Tom, Yi-Hsiang Yu, Alan Wright, Michael Lawson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus Citations

Abstract

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 innovation 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 availability 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) torque 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.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)242-258
Number of pages17
JournalRenewable Energy
Volume177
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/JA-5700-76123

Keywords

  • Geometry control
  • Oscillating surge wave energy converter
  • Power-take-off control
  • Structural loading
  • Variable geometry
  • Wave energy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Annual Performance of the Second-Generation Variable-Geometry Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this