Research on design and optimization of the pitching float wave energy converter

Abstract

Abstract Wave power generation has been the object of extensive renewable energy research and development all over the world. Concerning the application of a wave energy converter to the harsh environment of the South China Sea, a study of the shape and internal layout of a pitching float wave energy converter was performed based on the mechanism of the oscillating‐float generator. Research methods based on potential flow theory and the use of ANSYS‐AQWA software were applied to predict the hydrodynamic performance and energy conversion of the pitching float wave energy converter. The influence of the float shape, width, side radius, and centroid position on the hydrodynamic performance of the float was analyzed. The results show that the pitching performance of the spherical‐bottom float was the best among the three basic shapes examined. The width of the float had the greatest impact on the pitching performance of the float, and the effect of the radius of the float on the pitching performance was also significant. The pitching performance of the float was improved with the realization of a larger radius in the pitching direction. The centroid position and rotational inertia also had a great impact on the pitching performance of the float. The wave energy converter designed in this study lays the foundation and provides reference for further research on the novel, efficient, and stable wave energy converter.

Keywords

• energy conversion
• float
• hydrodynamic performance
• pitching motion
• wave energy