scholarly journals A Piezoelectric Wave-Energy Converter Equipped with a Geared-Linkage-Based Frequency Up-Conversion Mechanism

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
Shao-En Chen ◽  
Ray-Yeng Yang ◽  
Guang-Kai Wu ◽  
Chia-Che Wu
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Wave Motion ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Gear Train ◽  
Piezoelectric Composite ◽  
Maximum Height ◽  
Resistive Load ◽  
Linkage Mechanism ◽  
Energy Converter

In this paper, a piezoelectric wave-energy converter (PWEC), consisting of a buoy, a frequency up-conversion mechanism, and a piezoelectric power-generator component, is developed. The frequency up-conversion mechanism consists of a gear train and geared-linkage mechanism, which converted lower frequencies of wave motion into higher frequencies of mechanical motion. The slider had a six-period displacement compared to the wave motion and was used to excite the piezoelectric power-generation component. Therefore, the operating frequency of the piezoelectric power-generation component was six times the frequency of the wave motion. The developed, flexible piezoelectric composite films of the generator component were used to generate electrical voltage. The piezoelectric film was composed of a copper/nickel foil as the substrate, lead–zirconium–titanium (PZT) material as the piezoelectric layer, and silver material as an upper-electrode layer. The sol-gel process was used to fabricate the PZT layer. The developed PWEC was tested in the wave flume at the Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory, Taiwan (THL). The maximum height and the minimum period were set to 100 mm and 1 s, respectively. The maximum voltage of the measured value was 2.8 V. The root-mean-square (RMS) voltage was 824 mV, which was measured through connection to an external 495 kΩ resistive load. The average electric power was 1.37 μW.

A Mathematical Model With Preliminary Experiments of a Gyroscopic Ocean Wave Energy Converter

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidenori Murakami ◽  
Oscar Rios ◽  
Ardavan Amini
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Power Generation ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Energy Generation ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Ocean Wave ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Ocean Wave Energy

Global attempts to increase generation of clean and reproducible natural energy have greatly contributed to the progress of solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy generation. To meet the goal set by the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) in the United States, it is advisable for several of the coastal states to tap into the least explored resource: ocean-wave energy. There are many advantages to ocean-wave energy generation. First, the energy per unit area is 20 to 30 times larger compared with solar and five to ten times larger when compared to wind energy. Second, waves are more easily predicted than wind. Currently, there are several challenges with capturing ocean energy: With respect to the environment, noise pollution and effects on marine life need to be taken into consideration; with respect to design, ocean-wave power generators need to withstand large waves due to hurricanes and be designed to lessen visual pollution. There are various methods and devices used to capture ocean wave energy. Point absorbers, such as PowerBuoy, can harness vertical or heaving motion into electricity while attenuators like Pelamis use the induced movement of its joints from the incoming waves. Unfortunately, many have few parameters that can be varied to optimize power generation and or suffer from the various challenges mentioned above. The gyroscopic ocean wave energy converter harnesses the rocking or pitching motion induced by the ocean waves and converts it into rotary motion that is then fed to a generator. Furthermore, it is a fully enclosed floating device that has several parameters that can be varied to optimize power output. Previous work has demonstrated the viability of such a device, but the theoretical modeling of these converters is still in its infancy compared to that of other ocean wave energy converters. The objective of the research presented is to fully understand the mechanisms of power generation in the gyroscopic ocean wave energy converter. Using the moving frame method, a mathematical model of the device is developed. The nonlinear equations of motion are derived through the use of this novel method and then solved numerically. The results are then used to optimize the system and identify key parameters and their effect on the output power generated. Additionally, the resulting equations serve as a tool for identifying an appropriate control strategy for the system. Finally, a scale model of a gyroscopic ocean wave energy converter is developed to validate the equations of motion that have been derived.

scholarly journals Optimization of an Invention Based on a Force Multiplier Mechanism for Wave Power Generation

2014 ◽  
Vol 507 ◽  
pp. 480-485
Author(s):  
Javier Aparisi ◽  
Jose González ◽  
Bernabé Hernandis
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Wave Height ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Wave Power ◽  
Rectilinear Motion ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
The Waves

The development and exploitation of new sources of clean energy that do not depend on traditional sources based on the use of fossil fuels, is the focus of this research, which starts with the optimization of an invention capable of transforming a reciprocating rectilinear motion into continuous circular motion in a very efficient way, to be used in the development of a Wave Energy Converter (WEC), capable of operating with low wave height and taking advantage of the oscillating movement of the waves both when rising, and when lowering, unlike other similar devices that harness it only in one way.

A Study on Dynamic Motion and Wave Power in Multi-Connected Float-Counterweight Type of Wave Energy Converter

2015 ◽  
Vol 1125 ◽  
pp. 566-570
Author(s):  
Kesayoshi Hadano ◽  
Pallav Koirala ◽  
Byung Young Moon
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Structural Strength ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Basic Data ◽  
Wave Power ◽  
Body Type ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Wire Tension ◽  
Dynamic Motion

Recently, with respect to structural strength and relevant analysis of a float-counterweight wave energy converter, it has been more improved than existing oscillating body type. this study is mainly focusing on dynamic motion and wave power generation of ‘multi-connected’ float-counterweight device by calculating the acquired generation amount. This advanced research based on the original float-counterweight device was conducted through the wave’s up and down motion by setting up bulkhead which is called wave camber. Most of all, it was obtained that the ‘multi-connected’ float-counterweight device would be more efficient and practical than the original one in terms of float displacement, wire tension and amount of wave power. Through this study, a basic data for design of wave chamber was utilized on advantageous condition under actual circumstances of the sea and then estimation of generation amount for the ‘multi-connected’ float-counterweight device was realized, compared to the original one.

Design and Performance Analysis of Anchor System for a Single-Body Wave Energy Converter

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo L. Banos ◽  
Hirpa G. Lemu
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Wave Energy ◽  
Wave Energy Converter ◽  
Wave Energy Conversion ◽  
Energy Converter ◽  
Practical Solution ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Anchor System ◽  
Single Body

The last couple of decades have observed an increasing interest in development of wave energy conversion technology for both research and commercial purposes. Though slow due to several reasons, the technology shows an evident progress. Because of the oil crisis facing the energy sector in particular, wave energy is currently seen as a good alternative to fossil fuel based power generation. This has marked its footprints on rising industrial ventures in wave energy based power generation and the search for new devices is gearing up. Among the latest invented models, point wave energy converters are attractive and low investment options. These devices are much smaller than the traditional oscillating water column devices and have good performance when combined in arrays of devices, thus placing the technology in the center of industrial and academic research. This article reports the study conducted to understand the mechanics of the energy exchange in a single-body point wave energy converter device model Cape Verde, patented by the Norwegian company Euro Wave Energy. Furthermore, the article intends to give a practical solution for the design of the anchoring problem in the device. In general, the article attempts to present two completely different objectives: an academic part focusing on understanding the wave energy conversion mechanics, and the industrial development part that attempts to find a practical solution for a particular part of the device. The first step involves establishing a model that describes the motion and potential of absorbance of a conic single-body absorber. The anchor system was designed in accordance with standards provided by Det Norske Veritas, the Norwegian regulatory framework. A quasi-static method is used to calculate the load that the absorber would suffer and a pulley and cable system is proposed to drive these loads to the anchor system. After a review of the different solutions offered for offshore facilities at the present time, the model of a suction anchor is chosen. As design verification through physical testing of prototypes of conversion devices is demanding and costly, various simulation tools are appearing in the field. The application range of some of these different simulation tools has been evaluated and reported in this article.

scholarly journals A Piezoelectric Wave Energy Harvester Using Plucking-Driven and Frequency Up-Conversion Mechanism

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (24) ◽  
pp. 8441
Author(s):  
Shao-En Chen ◽  
Ray-Yeng Yang ◽  
Zeng-Hui Qiu ◽  
Chia-Che Wu
Keyword(s):  
Wave Energy ◽  
Energy Harvester ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Composite Beams ◽  
Gear Train ◽  
Piezoelectric Composite ◽  
Maximum Output ◽  
Resistive Load ◽  
Cantilever Beams ◽  
Piezoelectric Cantilever

In this study, a plucking-driven piezoelectric wave energy harvester (PDPWEH) consisted of a buoy, a gear train frequency up-conversion mechanism, and an array of piezoelectric cantilever beams was developed. The gear train frequency up-conversion mechanism with compact components included a rack, three gears, and a geared cam provide less energy loss to improve electrical output. Six individual piezoelectric composite beams were plucked by geared cam to generate electrical power in the array of piezoelectric cantilever beams. A sol-gel method was used to create the piezoelectric composite beams. To investigate PDPWEH, a mathematical model based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory was derived. The developed PDPWEH was tested in a wave flume. The wave heights were set to 100 and 75 mm, the wave periods were set to 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 s. The maximum output voltage of the measured value was 12.4 V. The maximum RMS voltage was 5.01 V, which was measured by connecting to an external 200 kΩ resistive load. The maximum average electrical power was 125.5 μw.

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