Abstract
WaveSSG is a novel wave energy converter in which the waves are running up a ramp, overtopping into three reservoirs situated at different heights above the mean sea level. The potential energy of the water in the reservoirs is converted into electrical energy by low-head hydro turbines in each reservoir.
A full scale pilot plant of the WaveSSG with an installed capacity of 190 kW will be built on the Norwegian island of Kvitsøy; the deployment is scheduled for summer 2008.
In order to find an optimum turbine configuration, a power simulation software program has been written, modelling the energy conversion process in the time domain. With this software, the system performance with different layouts of the power train has been evaluated. For each layout variant, optimum control parameters have been determined. Furthermore, the effect of changes in reservoir size has been investigated.
The paper describes the simulation software, the modelling it is based on and the main findings from the parameter studies.
A second aspect covered is the realisation of the turbine control. Different concepts including adjustable guide vanes, cylinder gates, butterfly and knife gate valves have been studied and compared.
Finally, the turbine and control solution chosen after evaluation of overall efficiency, reliability, purchase cost, maintenance requirements and controllability is described.