Principle Analysis and Experimental Verification of High Conversion Efficiency of Oscillating-Buoy Wec with Pneumatic Pto

Abstract

This study is grounded in the fundamental properties of wave diffraction and the law of energy conservation, establishing a conversion system for four distinct WEC systems. Through both qualitative and quantitative analyses, it elucidates the reasons behind the superior overall conversion efficiency of the "oscillating-buoy WEC system." In response, the physical model of this type of WEC was designed and optimized. In experimental tests conducted in a wide wave tank, the capture width ratio (CWR) reached a peak value of 252.6%, with an overall conversion efficiency of 77.1%, signifying a substantial enhancement in the WEC’s performance in wave energy conversion. By means of principle analysis and experimental tests, it is indicated that this WEC technology serves as a crucial pathway to address issues such as poor survivability, low reliability, and low conversion efficiency.

Keywords: Wave energy, Oscillating -buoy, Capture width ratio, Wave-to-battery, Conversion efficiency