Ocean Wave Energy Harvesting Devices

摘要

Development of a mechanically sound buoy design. which generated 10W average power in Beaufort Sea State I. and showed potential for up to 20W in Sea State 4. Development of a wave energy harvesting buoy capable of generating 2W in Sea State I. and with proper mechanical alignment able to generate over 4W. Development of two modeling capabilities: a classical mechanical model used lbr optimizing the electromagnetic design,. and a hydrodynamic model to predict device performance given a set of buoy/generator design characteristics and environmental conditions. The latter model allows input of actual wave spectra. winds and currents. It also has the capability to simulate mooring designs and their impact on power production. A literature search to determine available wave energy in the 1-3 second wave period band was sufficient to meet the 20W power requirements in Sea State 1. The result of this study indicated a device with conversion efficiency on order of 10% could generate 20W on average from waves with conversion efficiency on order of 10% could generate 20W on average from waves with periods faster than 3 seconds.