Abstract
The power take‐off (PTO) converts the power available at the primary wave interface, often mechanical power associated with the movement of a float or paddle, into electrical power. This chapter provides an introduction to electrical generators, which transform mechanical to electrical power, both rotary and linear. The rotary generator technology described is applicable to be wave and tidal energy converters. The chapter describes turbines for wave energy converters (WECs), covering air‐driven turbines which are applicable to OWC designs, and water‐driven turbines which can be used in overtopping devices. It introduces hydraulic power transmission technology and discusses hydraulic PTO design for WECs, including control for maximum energy capture. The chapter presents a brief description of alternative solutions using direct mechanical power transmission and focuses on electrical infrastructure, describing components, frequency converters, array connection and including grid integration.
This is a chapter from Wave and Tidal Energy.