Performance Evaluation of Flow Control Valve System for the OWC Wave Power Plant

Abstract

This paper is related to an experimental study on the performance of the input energy regulation system for stabilizing the output of an oscillating water column wave generator. OWC wave power device have been tested in Korea and other countries and are considered to be the closest to commercialization. Since the OWC type wave power device produces power by rotating a turbine generator using reciprocating air energy converted from wave energy, the fluctuation of wave energy is reflected in the output, which is a problem in operation. This study deals with the experimental verification of a technology that directly regulates the air energy input to the turbine generator to maintain the output of the generator below its rating. An irregular flow generator was constructed by designing a blower and ducting system. A flow velocity meter and differential pressure meter were installed to measure the flow input to the turbine and the pressure drop caused by the turbine, a torque sensor was installed to measure the torque and rotational speed of the turbine, and a linear motor was installed to control the load of the turbine. The load control system of the turbine is configured with control logic to control rotational speed and torque. A flow regulating valve was installed in front of the turbine to regulate the flow rate into the turbine. The control of the flow regulating valve is designed for active control by detecting the torque and rotational speed of the turbine in real time. The output according to the control logic of the flow control valve was evaluated by measuring the output under irregular input flow conditions, and the technical verification necessary for the application in the real sea area was performed by optimizing the control algorithm of the flow control valve. Finally, the validity was tested through the test operation of the Yongsoo wave power plant where the flow control valve system was installed.