Abstract
The power generation challenge of any wave energy converter (WEC) depends on the efficiency of the power take-off (PTO) system. The complexity of the WEC represents a relevant factor in installation and maintenance. To increase the power generation in a direct mechanical drive PTO system the gearbox represents a necessary component, a high gear ratio affects the cost, size, complexity and maintenance of this component. This study aims to address the first analysis of power performance and operation of a new wave energy converter composed of a point absorber, a hinged arm and a direct mechanical drive PTO system. The PTO is characterized by a pulley system, the main components of PTO such as the gear ratio, the electric generator and the main pulley are analyzed in the WEC performance, a cylindrical point absorber is considered in the present study. A wave-to-wire model is developed to simulate the coupled hydro-electro-mechanical system in regular waves. The performance of the wave energy converter is analyzed using the potential linear theory but considering the viscous damping effect according to the Morison equation to avoid the overestimated responses. The new WEC shows a maximum mean power of about 28 kW. The capture width ratio shows a maximum value of 36.5% indicating that the WEC shows a better performance at small values of height and period of wave.