Development of Wave Power Generation System using a Slit Type Breakwater: Optimization of Waterwheel and Scaling Law

摘要

We developed a new wave power generation system installed in a slit type breakwater. This system has great advantages of no requirement of sea surface affecting on shipping route or fishing ground. In this system, accelerated flow from the slit of the breakwater drives waterwheels. In this study, the output power of the waterwheels was measured using a 1/12 reduced scale model to examine the optimal condition of type, diameter and mounting configuration of the waterwheels. Scaling law for estimating real scale output power from the reduced scale experiment was also examined by numerical simulation. A single mounted crossflow waterwheel achieved the maximum output power when its diameter is 1.5 times the width of the slit. Output power was predicted to be proportional to 3.5th power of scale and the square of wave height.