Experimental investigations of a new concept of wave energy converter hybridizing piezoelectric and dielectric elastomer generators

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 015006
Author(s):  
Gregorio Boccalero ◽  
Simon Chesne ◽  
Emmanuel Mignot ◽  
Nicolas Riviere ◽  
Claire Jean-Mistral
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Wave Flume ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
Electrical Generation

Abstract A novel concept of a surge wave energy converter for nearshore applications is investigated experimentally. The centimetre-sized prototype developed in this work represents a proof of concept of a submerged system, which entails a hybrid transduction solution for the electrical conversion of wave energy, that uses piezoelectric elements (PZEs) and dielectric elastomer generators (DEG). The idea is to exploit the horizontal pressure gradient and horizontal water velocity underneath the waves to compress the PZE and inflate each half wave period a soft variable capacitance, which composes the DEG. The electrical charges created by the PZE are used to polarize the DEG, which is able to multiply the input energy. This hybridization is conceived to allow the system to generate electrical energy from waves without conventional high voltage supplies, thus reducing production costs and allowing standalone clean electrical generation. The article provides the preliminary fluid-mechanical measurements performed in a wave flume with a first version of the prototype and supported by a model comprising the fluid/structure interaction, the materials response, and the electrical operations. An estimation of the output energy of a small-sized prototype in constant charge mode is computed, and perspectives for optimizing the system are presented.

scholarly journals A broadbanded pressure differential wave energy converter based on dielectric elastomer generators

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Righi ◽  
Giacomo Moretti ◽  
David Forehand ◽  
Lorenzo Agostini ◽  
Rocco Vertechy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Large Deformations ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Pressure Differential ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Waves

AbstractDielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) are a promising option for the implementation of affordable and reliable sea wave energy converters (WECs), as they show considerable promise in replacing expensive and inefficient power take-off systems with cheap direct-drive generators. This paper introduces a concept of a pressure differential wave energy converter, equipped with a DEG power take-off operating in direct contact with sea water. The device consists of a closed submerged air chamber, with a fluid-directing duct and a deformable DEG power take-off mounted on its top surface. The DEG is cyclically deformed by wave-induced pressure, thus acting both as the power take-off and as a deformable interface with the waves. This layout allows the partial balancing of the stiffness due to the DEG’s elasticity with the negative hydrostatic stiffness contribution associated with the displacement of the water column on top of the DEG. This feature makes it possible to design devices in which the DEG exhibits large deformations over a wide range of excitation frequencies, potentially achieving large power capture in a wide range of sea states. We propose a modelling approach for the system that relies on potential-flow theory and electroelasticity theory. This model makes it possible to predict the system dynamic response in different operational conditions and it is computationally efficient to perform iterative and repeated simulations, which are required at the design stage of a new WEC. We performed tests on a small-scale prototype in a wave tank with the aim of investigating the fluid–structure interaction between the DEG membrane and the waves in dynamical conditions and validating the numerical model. The experimental results proved that the device exhibits large deformations of the DEG power take-off over a broad range of monochromatic and panchromatic sea states. The proposed model demonstrates good agreement with the experimental data, hence proving its suitability and effectiveness as a design and prediction tool.

scholarly journals Sea Wave Energy. A Review of the Current Technologies and Perspectives

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (20) ◽  
pp. 6604
Author(s):  
Domenico Curto ◽  
Vincenzo Franzitta ◽  
Andrea Guercio
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Tidal Range ◽  
Ocean Current ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Ocean Thermal Energy

The proposal of new technologies capable of producing electrical energy from renewable sources has driven research into seas and oceans. Research finds this field very promising in the future of renewable energies, especially in areas where there are specific climatic and morphological characteristics to exploit large amounts of energy from the sea. In general, this kind of energy is referred to as six energy resources: waves, tidal range, tidal current, ocean current, ocean thermal energy conversion, and saline gradient. This review has the aim to list several wave-energy converter power plants and to analyze their years of operation. In this way, a focus is created to understand how many wave-energy converter plants work on average and whether it is indeed an established technology.

Modeling and Experiment of a Novel Micro Wave Energy Converter

2017 ◽  
Vol 863 ◽  
pp. 175-182
Author(s):  
Yi Ming Zhu ◽  
Zi Rong Luo ◽  
Zhong Yue Lu ◽  
Jian Zhong Shang
Keyword(s):  
Output Power ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Vertical Motion ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Drive Power ◽  
Continuous Rotation

This paper proposed a novel micro wave energy converter which can convert irregular wave energy into rotating mechanical energy, then into electrical energy. The device consists of an energy absorption part and an energy conversion part. In details, the blades are installed on the absorber circumferentially and averagely, which are capable of converting the vertical motion of the surface body to continuous rotation of the absorber and leading to a great increase in efficiency. A physical prototype was built to test the performance of the novel generator and optimize the design parameters. In the experiment part, a linear motion electric cylinder was used as the drive power to provide the heaving motion for the device. And the experiment platform was built for modeling a marine environment. Also, a data acquisition program was edited in Labview. Thus, the experiment analyzed the influence of amplitude, frequency, blade angle and resistance value to the output power, and then obtained the optimum parameters combination which can maximize the value of the output power. The result will provide reference for the device’s further application.

scholarly journals Kinerja Model Fisik Konverter Energi Ombak Rangkaian Gear Searah pada Periode Ombak yang Bervariasi

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masjono Muchtar ◽  
Salama Manjang ◽  
Dadang A Suriamiharja ◽  
M Arsyad Thaha
Keyword(s):  
Physical Model ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Ocean Waves ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Wave Period ◽  
Physical Model Test ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Wave Flume ◽  
Period Variations ◽  
Hydraulics Laboratory

To date there were few research on the effect of non-linearity properties of the ocean waves on the performance of wave energy converter (WEC), which uses a series of unidirectional gear. One such parameter is the variation of wave period. The influence of wave period variations on the performance of physical model of the wave energy converters have been investigated at the Hydraulics Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Hasanuddin University Indonesia. This WEC physical model was fabricated and assembled at Politeknik ATI Makassar Indonesia. The investigation steps consists of physical model development, physical model investigation at wave flume prior to the wave period  variation, measuring input output parameters of the physical model under test and empirical model formulation based on observed data analysis. Physical model test carried out on the wave flume at the Hydraulics Laboratory of the Department of Civil Hasanuddin University, at a water depth of 25 cm, wave height between 5-9 cm and wave period between 1.2 - 2.2 seconds. Investigation result based on flywheel radial speed (RPM) and torque (Nm) indicated that calculated harvested power was inversely proportional with the wave period. The longer the period of the waves, the energy produced is getting smaller. The derived empirical formula was y = -85.598x + 208.53 and R² = 0.8881. Y is energy produced (Watt) and X is the wave period (Second). Formulations generated from this study could be used as a reference for future research in dealing with wave period variations on a design one way gear wave energy converter as a source of renewable energy.

scholarly journals Effective Mooring Rope Tension in Mechanical and Hydraulic Power Take-Off of Wave Energy Converter

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9803
Author(s):  
Ji Woo Nam ◽  
Yong Jun Sung ◽  
Seong Wook Cho
Keyword(s):  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Energy Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Hydraulic Motor ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Conversion Efficiencies

The InWave wave energy converter (WEC), which is three-tether WEC type, absorbs wave energy via moored cylindrical buoys with three ropes connected to a terrestrial power take-off (PTO) through a subsea pulley. In this study, a simulation study was conducted to select a suitable PTO when designing a three-tether WEC. The mechanical PTO transfers energy from the buoy to the generator using a gearbox, whereas the hydraulic PTO uses a hydraulic pump, an accumulator, and a hydraulic motor to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The hydraulic PTO has a lower energy conversion efficiency than that of the mechanical PTO owing to losses resulting from pipe friction and the individual efficiencies of the hydraulic pumps and motors. However, the efficiencies mentioned above are not the efficiency of the whole system. The efficiency of the whole system should be analyzed considering the tension of the rope and the efficiency of the generator. In this study, the energy conversion efficiencies of the InWave WEC installed the mechanical and hydraulic PTO devices are compared, and their behaviors are analyzed through numerical simulations. The mechanics of mechanical and hydraulic PTO applied to InWave are mathematically expressed, and the issues of the elements constituting the PTO are explained. Finally, factors to consider for PTO selection are presented.

scholarly journals BIBLIOMETRIC STUDY APPLIED TO AN OVERTOPPING WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER DEVICE

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maycon Da Silveira Paiva ◽  
Leonardo Da Silva Silveira ◽  
Liércio André Isoldi ◽  
Bianca Neves Machado
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Bibliometric Study ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Statistical Tool ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Bibliometric Methodology ◽  
Sea Wave ◽  
Selection Of

The present study aims to analyze the state of the art of scientific studies about the Overtopping device used to convert sea wave energy into electrical energy, by means the Bibliometric Methodology. The development of this study took place through the selection of articles from conference proceedings, as well as national and international journals. The Bibliometric methodology consists of a statistical tool that allows quantifying the measurement of production indexes. Using selected keywords, it was conducted a survey of studies in the online databases of Science Direct, SciELO and Google Scholar. The works found then went through a filtering process, in order to limit the bibliometric study only to studies about Overtopping devices as sea wave energy converter. Finally, the investigation of these selected articles was carried out under the optics of production and authorship study, content study and study of bibliographic references. Where it was identified growth in publications related to the topic, methodologies used and, among other indicators, the authors most cited in the analyzed articles. The predominant keywords used were “Wave Energy Converter” and “Overtopping”. It was noted that Brazilian universities are leaders in the productivity, presenting more than 36% of the scientific production regarding Overtopping WECs.

scholarly journals Wave flume testing of an oscillating-body wave energy converter with a tuned inerter

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 ◽  
pp. 102127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keita Sugiura ◽  
Ryoko Sawada ◽  
Yudai Nemoto ◽  
Ruriko Haraguchi ◽  
Takehiko Asai
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Body Wave ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Wave Flume

scholarly journals Power Generation Using Mechanical Wave Energy Converter

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivasan Chandrasekaran ◽  
Harender
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Conceptual Development ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Mechanical Wave ◽  
Component Level ◽  
Scaled Model ◽  
Effect Analysis

Ocean wave energy plays a significant role in meeting the growing demand of electric power. Economic, environmental, and technical advantages of wave energy set it apart from other renewable energy resources. Present study describes a newly proposed Mechanical Wave Energy Converter (MEWC) that is employed to harness heave motion of floating buoy to generate power. Focus is on the conceptual development of the device, illustrating details of component level analysis. Employed methodology has many advantages such as i) simple and easy fabrication; ii) easy to control the operations during rough weather; and iii) low failure rate during normal sea conditions. Experimental investigations carried out on the scaled model of MWEC show better performance and its capability to generate power at higher efficiency in regular wave fields. Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) shows rare failure rates for all components except the floating buoy.

Control of an oscillating water column wave energy converter based on dielectric elastomer generator

2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gastone Pietro Rosati Papini ◽  
Giacomo Moretti ◽  
Rocco Vertechy ◽  
Marco Fontana
Keyword(s):  
Water Column ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Oscillating Water Column ◽  
Energy Converter
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