Wave energy converter buoy with variable geometry

Patent · Tue Dec 27 04:00:00 EST 2022

OSTI ID:1986964

Wilson, David G.; Robinett, III, Rush D.; Weaver, Wayne W.; Glover, Steven F.

A nonlinear control design technique capitalizes on a wave energy converter comprising a shaped buoy having a variable geometry wave energy. For example, the shaped buoy can have an hourglass (HG) geometry having a variable cone or steepness angle. The HG buoy is assumed to operate in the heave motion of the wave. The unique interaction between the HG buoy and the wave creates a nonlinear cubic storage effect that produces actual energy storage or reactive power during operation. A multi-frequency Bretschneider spectrum wave excitation input was simulated for the HG design both with constant and varying steepness angle profiles which demonstrated further increased power generation with changing sea states for the variable design.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: NA0003525
• Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)
• Patent Number(s): 11,536,243
• Application Number: 17/723,690
• OSTI ID: 1986964
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English