Comparison of Direct-Drive Power Takeoff Systems for Ocean Wave Energy Applications

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Rhinefrank ◽  
Alphonse Schacher ◽  
Joseph Prudell ◽  
Ted K. A. Brekken ◽  
Chad Stillinger ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
Zhenwei Liu ◽  
Ran Zhang ◽  
Han Xiao ◽  
Xu Wang

Ocean wave energy conversion as one of the renewable clean energy sources is attracting the research interests of many people. This review introduces different types of power take-off technology of wave energy converters. The main focus is the linear direct drive power take-off devices as they have the advantages for ocean wave energy conversion. The designs and optimizations of power take-off systems of ocean wave energy converters have been studied from reviewing the recently published literature. Also, the simple hydrodynamics of wave energy converters have been reviewed for design optimization of the wave energy converters at specific wave sites. The novel mechanical designs of the power take-off systems have been compared and investigated in order to increase the energy harvesting efficiency.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongxian Chen ◽  
Haitao Yu ◽  
Cheng Wen

The goal of direct drive ocean wave energy extraction system is to convert ocean wave energy into electricity. The problem explored in this paper is the design and optimal control for the direct drive ocean wave energy extraction system. An optimal control method based on internal model proportion integration differentiation (IM-PID) is proposed in this paper though most of ocean wave energy extraction systems are optimized by the structure, weight, and material. With this control method, the heavy speed of outer heavy buoy of the energy extraction system is in resonance with incident wave, and the system efficiency is largely improved. Validity of the proposed optimal control method is verified in both regular and irregular ocean waves, and it is shown that IM-PID control method is optimal in that it maximizes the energy conversion efficiency. In addition, the anti-interference ability of IM-PID control method has been assessed, and the results show that the IM-PID control method has good robustness, high precision, and strong anti-interference ability.


Author(s):  
Junxiao Ai ◽  
Hwan Lee ◽  
Changwei Liang ◽  
Lei Zuo

The potential for electricity generation from ocean wave energy in the US is estimated to be 64% of the total electricity generated from all sources in 2010. Over 53% of the US population lives within 50 miles of the coast (NOAA), which means ocean waves offer ready opportunity for harvesting power. This paper will present a details progress of developing an innovative ocean wave energy harvester, with adopting an innovative power takeoff mechanism named mechanical motion rectifier (MMR), which will directly convert the irregular oscillatory wave motion into regular unidirectional rotation of the generator. It marries the advantages of the direct and indirect-drive power takeoff methods, with a much higher energy conversion efficiency and enhanced reliability and compactness. Experiment has been carried out and the results verify that the novel power take-off mechanism improved the performance of wave energy harvester.


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