Scaled Development of a Novel Wave Energy Converter Including Numerical Analysis and High-Resolution Tank Testing

Journal Article

Title: Scaled Development of a Novel Wave Energy Converter Including Numerical Analysis and High-Resolution Tank Testing

Author:

Brekken, T.; Rhinefrank, K.; von Jouanne, A.; Schacher, A.; Prudell, J.; Hammagren, E.

Publication Date:

February 14, 2009

Journal:

Proceedings of the IEEE

Volume:

101

Issue:

Pages:

866-875

Publisher:

IEEE

Affiliation:

Oregon State University (OSU), Columbia Power (C·Power)

Technology:

Wave, Point Absorber

Collection Method:

Lab Data, Modeling, Scale Device

Document Access

Website:

External Link

Citation

Brekken, T.; Rhinefrank, K.; von Jouanne, A.; Schacher, A.; Prudell, J.; Hammagren, E. (2009). Scaled Development of a Novel Wave Energy Converter Including Numerical Analysis and High-Resolution Tank Testing. Proceedings of the IEEE, 101(4), 866-875. https://doi.org/10.1109/JPROC.2012.2234711

Abstract

This paper presents the scaled development of a novel point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) developed by Columbia Power Technologies (COLUMBIA POWER, Corvallis, OR, USA), including numerical analysis and scaled wave tank testing. Four hydrodynamic modeling tools are employed to evaluate and optimize the performance of the WEC, including WAMIT, Garrad Hassan's GH WaveDyne, OrcaFlex, and ANSYS AQWA. Performance and mooring estimates at full scale are evaluated and optimized, followed by the development of 1 : 33, 1 : 15, and 1 : 7 scale physical models. The physical tests of the 1 : 33 and 1 : 15 scale WECs were conducted in the wave basins of Oregon State University's O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory, in conjunction with the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC). This paper concludes with the development of the 1 : 7 scale WEC and the associated field testing.