DETAILED DESIGN OF A WAVE ENERGY CONVERSION PLANT

摘要

A preliminary assessment of wave energy conversion by means of the Stellenbosch Wave Energy Converter (SWEC) has indicated the viability of this system as a supplementary source of electric power. In order to refine the preliminary estimates of the cost of power delivered, detailed design of a 770 MW (rated output) installation at a site 60 km north of Cape Town has been undertaken. This paper describes the power conversion characteristics of the SWEC at the proposed site, structural design of the collector arms and generating tower for both mass gravity or piled solutions, a construction scenario involving a casting harbour in nearby Saldanha Bay and the towing and placement of 53 m long precast modules, and finally an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed 40 km array on the adjacent coastline. The proposed system is found to be both technically and economically feasible and offers a useful contribution towards future electric power supply.