Cycloidal wave-energy converter
Hydrodynamic work on a cycloidal rotor that captures energy directly from ocean waves. It covers rotor design, controller design and efficiency estimates across sea states, and complements the wave prediction tool.
- Capability
- Aerospace testing, controls
- Client
- Atargis Energy
- Sector
- Wave energy
- Scope
- Rotor design, efficiency model, publication
Challenge, method, outcome
Challenge
Ocean waves hold a lot of energy but extracting it is still costly. A wave terminator such as the cycloidal wave energy converter could help if it is well controlled.
Method
Wave-tunnel experiments with a phase-controlled cycloidal rotor, then a control-volume analysis of the 3D wave field to estimate energy extraction under feedback control in regular, irregular and short-crested waves.
Outcome
A phase-controlled cycloidal rotor was shown to cancel waves in experiments (Applied Ocean Research, 2012). Its energy extraction was then estimated under real-time control (Int. Marine Energy Journal, 2022).
Source: Applied Ocean Research, 2012; Int. Marine Energy J., 2022