Hydrodynamic analysis and optimization of a hinged type wave energy converter

Li, Yuzhu (2016) Hydrodynamic analysis and optimization of a hinged type wave energy converter. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

SeaWEED(Sea Wave Energy Extraction Device) is a multi-body floating wave energy converter (WEC) with hinged joints developed by Grey Island Energy Inc.(GIE) in Canada. Initial conceptual studies have been carried out to evaluate the performance of the first generation device by testing an 1:16 scale model in a wave basin. The experimental results were compared with the numerical solutions. Based on the experimental studies, improvements were made and a second generation model with a new geometry of the hull and a new connection structure was developed. This thesis is mainly focused on the numerical analysis and optimization of the second generation SeaWEED model. In the numerical studies, the hydraulic power take-off (PTO) system was simulated by a linear spring damper system coupled with the motion of the hinged bodies. The vertical hinge motion was computed at a series of wave periods using WAMIT. Optimization was focused on the PTO damping and the geometrical parameters in terms of the draft and the length of the truss structure between hinged bodies by using the response surface method. The optimization was conducted in regular waves and in irregular sea states. An optimal combination of length, draft and PTO damping was recommended for an intended operation location.

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