Optimization of the Chamber of a Wave Energy Converter System in a Laboratory Based Experiment

Water waves contain tremendous potential of energy. Wave power is considered to be a renewable, pollution-free and sustainable energy source and, as a result, it has attracted significant attention. It is also known to have low operational cost and simple maintenance procedures compared to other clean energy sources. In this study, an Oscillating Water Column (OWC) wave energy converter was designed and experiment was conducted in a wave flume to optimize various geometrical designs of the OWC system. This energy conversion system uses the natural motion of ocean waves to compress air within the column and drive a turbine. Twenty experimental sets of OWC structure were carried out by a piston-type wave maker in order to investigate the influence of wave parameters such as water depth and geometry of coastal structures on the efficiency the OWC system. The experimental results showed that wave parameters, water depth and geometry of coastal structure are directly proportional to the outflow of air from the chamber.

Keywords:

Wave energy converters , Experimental laboratory testing , OWC