An Experimental Study on Wave Energy Conversion Problem of Turbine-integrated OWC Chamber

Abstract

An oscillating water column-type wave energy converter (OWC-WEC) is a promising device for utilizing ocean wave energy resources. The OWC-WEC comprises a chamber structure and power take-off (PTO) system. The chamber converts the kinetic energy of the ocean waves into the heave motion of the internal fluid, which generates a reciprocating airflow. The airflow drives an air turbine and generator, and its rotational motion produces electrical energy. To investigate the energy conversion problem of the OWC-WEC, a model test was conducted using the turbine-integrated OWC chamber model in the two-dimensional wave flume. Since each energy conversion module of the OWC-WEC is driven based on their interaction, the chamber’s fluid dynamics, the turbine’s aerodynamics, and the rotor’s dynamics are fully coupled during the energy conversion process. Therefore, the energy conversion characteristics of the OWC-WEC were discussed under various operational conditions based on the experimental measurements from the chamber, turbine, and servo motor.