Analytical study on a submerged tubular wave energy converter. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meng, Qicheng; Zhang, Chongwei
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 118(2018)
• Page Start: 955
• Page End: 964
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Wave energy -- Wave diffraction -- Artificial upwelling -- Potential flow theory -- Submerged tubular structure; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.10.110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: A submerged tubular wave energy converter, whose main structure is an upright concentric circular cylinder, is proposed. The turbine is installed near the bottom of the internal tunnel for the survivability consideration. The analytical solution for the wave diffraction problem of the structure is derived based on the linear potential flow theory. The oscillatory mass flow rate in the tunnel is particularly investigated for it can be used to assess the feasibility of the converter that utilises the vertically oscillatory water flow. The effect of the submerged tubular structure in a wave field is to guide the vertically oscillatory motion, the magnitude of which, otherwise, diminishes exponentially with depth, down to the deeper water. That greatly increases the available kinetic energy for the turbine installed in the deep water. Effects of the parameters of the tubular structure on the efficiency of the device are also discussed. Highlights: A submerged tubular wave energy converter is proposed. Analytical solution of the structure in waves is derived. The mass flow rate in the tunnel is discussed. Vertically fluid oscillation in structure can guide kinetic energy to deeper water. Effects of parameters on the efficiency of the device are analysed.