Abstract
The objective of this paper is to describe one of the R&D stages of Martifer's WEC.
It is well known that one of the major difficulties in experimental wave testing is the reduced scale used and its implication on the typical methods utilized to determinate the possible energy conversion, as well as the methodology used to characterize the performance of a new WEC concept [1]-[2].
The WEC’s concept and geometry were obtained using hydrodynamic analysis of several shapes and also in conformity with preliminary downscaled tests in regular wave states.
The main goal of these experimental tests were to simulate and observe the interactive behaviour of different configurations and methodologies for converting wave energy into usable energy, designated as its PTO system. In order to achieve this, several methods of growing complexity and accuracy were used to simulate the PTO system, from simple springs to more complicated friction based and compressed air type systems were used.
Described herein are the first set of tests, which include the limitations of the methods used, their results and the most relevant conclusions.