Dynamic Characteristics and Test Results of a Wave Power Take-off System with Mechanical Motion Rectification and Transmission

Journal Article · Mon Feb 04 00:00:00 EST 2019 · IEEE Translations on Industrial Electronics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/tie.2018.2864715· OSTI ID:1659259

Yin, Xiuxing ^[1]; Li, Xiaofan ^[2]; Zuo, Lei ^[2]

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1. Zhejiang Sci-Tech Univ., Hangzhou (China); Virginia Tech
2. Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)

An innovative ocean wave power takeoff (PTO) system is presented here to enhance electrical energy generation from oscillating wave motions. This PTO system, mainly consisting of dual ball screws, gearbox with mechanical motion rectification (MMR) and a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG), can convert bidirectional irregular motions from a floating wave buoy into unidirectional regular generator rotations. Systematical operating principles, design and prototyping details of the PTO system are presented and analyzed. A hydrodynamics-mechanical-electrical model of the system is established by reasonably representing power switches attached to the PMSG as an equivalent external resistance. The overall dynamics of the system are then analyzed in the frequency-domain. Three power control strategies are proposed to maximize the wave power absorption by changing the equivalent external resistance. The effectiveness and relatively high energy conversion efficiency of the PTO system have been demonstrated based on lab bench test results. The levelized cost of energy of a full scale wave energy converter system is also calculated based on the proposed PTO system.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ. (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Water Power Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: EE0007174
• OSTI ID: 1659259
• Report Number(s): DOE-VirginiaTech--07174
• Journal Information: IEEE Translations on Industrial Electronics, Journal Name: IEEE Translations on Industrial Electronics Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 68; ISSN 0278-0046
• Publisher: IEEE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER
Equivalent external resistance
Levelized cost of energy
Mechanical motion rectification
Power control strategies
Power takeoff
Wave energy