Design, Analysis, and Evaluation of the UC-Berkeley Wave-Energy Extractor

Author(s):  
Ronald W. Yeung ◽  
Antoine Peiffer ◽  
Nathan Tom ◽  
Tomasz Matlak

This paper evaluates the technical feasibility and performance characteristics of an ocean-wave energy to electrical energy conversion device that is based on a moving linear generator. The UC-Berkeley design consists of a cylindrical floater, acting as a rotor, which drives a stator consisting of two banks of wound coils. The performance of such a device in waves depends on the hydrodynamics of the floater, the motion of which is strongly coupled to the electromagnetic properties of the generator. Mathematical models are developed to reveal the critical hurdles that can affect the efficiency of the design. A working physical unit is also constructed. The linear generator is first tested in a dry environment to quantify its performance. The complete physical floater and generator system is then tested in a wave tank with a computer-controlled wavemaker. Measurements are compared with theoretical predictions to allow an assessment of the viability of the design and the future directions for improvements.

Author(s):  
Ronald W. Yeung ◽  
Antoine Peiffer ◽  
Nathan Tom ◽  
Tomasz Matlak

This paper evaluates the technical feasibility and performance characteristics of an ocean-wave energy to electrical energy conversion device that is based on a moving linear generator. The UC-Berkeley design consists of a cylindrical floater, acting as a rotor, which drives a stator consisting of two banks of wound coils. The performance of such a device in waves depends on the hydrodynamics of the floater, the motion of which is strongly coupled to the electromagnetic properties of the generator. Mathematical models are developed to reveal the critical hurdles that can affect the efficiency of the design. A working physical unit is also constructed. The linear generator is first tested in a dry environment to quantify its performance. The complete physical floater and generator system is then tested in a wave tank with a computer-controlled wavemaker. Measurements are compared with theoretical predictions to allow an assessment of the viability of the design and future directions for improvements.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 405-417
Author(s):  
Tao Yao ◽  
Yulong Wang ◽  
Zhihua Wang ◽  
Can Qin

Abstract. Considering the irregularity of wave motion, a wave energy converter (WEC) based on 6-UCU parallel mechanism has been investigated. A buoy connected to moving platform is used to harvest wave energy. Each chain is equipped with the linear generator of the same structure, which can convert the absorbed wave energy into electrical energy. Based on the inverse kinematics analysis of parallel mechanism, the position of the parallel mechanism is solved by using the space closed-loop vector method; the relative motion of stator and translator is obtained. Through electromagnetic numerical simulations, the influences of linear generator parameters such as magnetization mode, air gap, and yoke shape on electromagnetic performance were evaluated. Numerical results show axial magnetization and Halbach magnet array can increase magnetic flux intensity more than radial mode. Furthermore, the rule of electromagnetic resistance is discussed with the change of the speed amplitude and the angle frequency. For a case, dynamic differential equation of the whole system is established. The conversion rate of wave energy is derived.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 716-735
Author(s):  
Bin Huang ◽  
Pengzhong Wang ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Shuai Yang ◽  
Dazhuan Wu

AbstractA sustainable power source is more and more important in modern society. Ocean wave energy is a very promising renewable energy source, and it is widely distributed worldwide. But, it is difficult to develop efficiently due to various limitations of the traditional electromagnetic generator. In recent years, the newly developed triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) provides an excellent way to convert water wave energy into electrical energy, which is mainly based on the coupling between triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. In this paper, a review is given for recent advances in using the TENG technology harvesting water wave energy. We first introduce the four most fundamental modes of TENG, based on which a range of wave energy harvesting devices have been demonstrated. Then, these applications’ structure and performance optimizations are discussed. Besides, the connection methods between TENG units are also summarized. Finally, it also outlines the development prospects and challenges of technology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Qin Guodong ◽  
Pang Quanru ◽  
Chen Zhongxian

Ocean wave energy is a high energy density and renewable resource. High power conversion rate is an advantage of linear generators to be the competitive candidates for ocean wave energy extraction system. In this paper, the feasibility of a wave energy extraction system by linear generator has been verified in an experimental flume. Besides, the analytical equations of heaving buoy oscillating in vertical direction are proposed, and the analytical equations are proved conveniently. What is more, the active power output of linear generator of wave energy extraction system in experimental flume is presented. The theoretical analysis and experimental results play a significant role for future wave energy extraction system progress in real ocean waves.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Francisco Arias ◽  
Salvador De Las Heras

Abstract The possibility to convert the ocean wave energy into electrical energy by piezoelectric layers has excited the imagination of ocean wave energy conversion designers for decades owing to its relative robustness (no mechanical parts are needed), the capability to cover large areas and its relative low cost. Unfortunately, the very poor efficiency featured by piezoelectric layers in application of ocean waves has prevented its application even as energy harvester. Here, the possibility to induce hydrocavitation and then working with more higher local pressures for substantial efficiency enhancement is discussed. Utilizing a simplified geometrical and physical model and the linear and potential theory, a first theoretical estimation for the energy enhancement driven by hydrocavitation was calculated. It was found that the power could be enhanced several orders of magnitude which, although still rather low, however, the enhanced electric outputs can be used now as energy harvesters. Additional R&D is encouraged in order to explore the possibilities to harness hydrocavitation to enhance piezoelectric converters.


Author(s):  
Hidemi Mutsuda ◽  
Ryuta Watanabe ◽  
Masato Hirata ◽  
Yasuaki Doi ◽  
Yoshikazu Tanaka

The purpose of this study is to improve FPED (Flexible PiEzoelectric Device) we have developed. The FPED consisting of piezo-electric polymer film (PVDF) is a way of harvesting electrical energy from ocean power, e.g. tide, current, wave, breaking wave and vortex. We also propose an Elastic Floating unit with HAanging Structures (EFHAS) using FPED. The EFHAS consists of floating unit and hanging unit. In this study, we investigated electric performance of FPED and EFHAS and also modified internal structure of FPED to increase electrical efficiency. As a result, Electric performance is increasing with increasing number of PVDFs laminated in FPED. Multilayer type of FPED can rapidly increase electric efficiency. Electric power can be improved by FPED attached a bluff body with relative density. Electric performance of floating type for floating unit of EFHAS is better than that of submerged type. Distance L/λ = 0.4 between floaters of floating unit is suitable for highly electric performance. In hanging unit of EFHAS, it is possible to increase electric power per unit area with increasing number of stairs. In conclusion, we showed the EFHAS with the FPED could be useful for harvesting ocean wave energy.


Inventions ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Praveen Damacharla ◽  
Ali Jamali Fard

Wave and tidal energies are some of the most prominent potential sources of renewable energy. Presently, these energy sources are not being utilized to their maximum extent. In this paper, we present a new conversion mechanism with an innovative electrical energy converter design that enables the use of wave energy to its maximum potential. The conventional wave energy converter comprises two stages of conversion (kinetic to mechanical and mechanical to electrical), imposing transformation loss that reduces the overall system efficiency. Additionally, the architecture and operational norms are dependent on the availability of shoreline areas, and the convertor is not suitable for all ocean weather conditions. To solve these problems, we have developed a wave energy conversion system that integrates the two stages of power with the minimum number of moving parts. This results in significant reduction of transformation losses that otherwise occur in the process. This paper presents an innovative idea of designing a DC generator that reduces the hierarchy of power conversion levels involved to improve the efficiency. The back and forth motion of the machine means it operates in a two-quadrant generation mode. The machine was constructed as a square box model with windings placed on both the top and bottom stator plates, and the rotor consisted of a field winding placed between these plates with two axes of operation. The electromagnetic field (EMF) induced in the stator plates is due to the resulting flux cutting, which is generated by a rolling object (rotor) in between them. A finite element analysis (FEA) of the machine is also listed to validate the flux linkage and operational efficiency. Additionally, a generator is fabricated to the predetermined design criteria as a proof of concept and the corresponding results are posted in the paper. Additionally, we present the material and cost limitations of this invention and outline some possible future directions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 764-765 ◽  
pp. 418-422
Author(s):  
Peng Huang ◽  
Da Xiao Gao ◽  
Zhong Qiang Zheng ◽  
Xiang Biao Kong ◽  
Zong Yu Chang

In recent decades environmental pollution and energy crisis have become a challenging task for the scientists and engineers who lead them to innovate new technology and solve this problem by reducing environmental pollution and by exploiting the new source of energy. In this regard wave energy is appeared to be a suitable outcome in order to resolve the current issues. This paper studies and summarizes that the linear generators are considered a device which is used to convert wave energy into electrical energy efficiently. It is the first time to calculate the electromagnetic force by considering the linear generator and at the same time simulated by Ansoft Maxwell software; by providing calculated value and simulated value, it is also verified that the calculated result is accurate with a small probability error as compared to software calculated value.


2013 ◽  
Vol 860-863 ◽  
pp. 1694-1698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Di Dio ◽  
Vincenzo Franzitta ◽  
Daniele Milone ◽  
Salvatore Pitruzzella ◽  
Marco Trapanese ◽  
...  

The aim of this work is a case study of the adaptation bilateral switched reluctance linear generator to the exploitation of energy of the sea. This type of generator can be used to convert wave energy in electrical energy. In this paper we present an analytical sizing and FEM simulation. As for the results, analysis of the data extracted through the simulations it was possible to calculate the emf. The emf was calculated in two cases of motion of the slider: first hypothesis has set the constant speed while the second is a variable speed according to the law of an oscillatory motion of the sea.


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