Experimental Study on the Performance of a Fluid-Sloshing Type Energy Conversion System (FSECS)

摘要

Recently, due to the dramatic requirement of petroleum from new developed countries, the price of crude oil reached skyrocketing height. Therefore, in this study, a new type of wave-energy converting system is developed and installed in an offshore platform structure to take the advantage of stronger motion of the platform subjected to waves. By utilizing the sloshing power of the fluid stored in an U-shape tube, the turbine of the electric power generator is driven and electricity can be generated. Some advantages are found from this system. Firstly, because the vibration in surge, heave and other motions of the platform induce the sloshing motion of fluid, the motion of the platform can be eased and the platform becomes more stable for the operation. Secondly, the power generated is a by-product of the platform operation, which aims to a self-content system for the power-supply in the platform. Thirdly, due to the simple structure and common material applied to the wave-converting system, the maintenance of the system is much easier compared to the others. From the testing results, it shows that with respect to various periods and amplitudes of the stroke in the experimental tests, the wave-power converting system can effectively generate electricity.