Theoretical Analysis of a Novel Tidal Current Energy Converter. Issue 1 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, S; Wang, S J; Liu, Y J
• Is Part Of: IOP conference series. Volume 555:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Congresses; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; 550.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/555/1/012037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-1307

Abstract

Abstract: Low tidal current velocity can be observed in most coastal areas of China. However, the device suitable for the effective conversion of tidal current energy under low flow velocity, and this conversion is necessary for tidal current energy extraction. This paper proposes a novel tidal current energy converter based on vortex-induced vibration (VIV) and artificial muscles. The converter uses the VIV phenomenon in the flow of the cylinder vibrator to efficiently convert the kinetic energy of the tidal current into the kinetic energy of the moving parts and uses the inverse phenomenon of the electric-motion characteristic of artificial muscles to directly convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy. This paper also discusses the VIV characteristics of the converter's vibrator when connected to nonlinear damping. Theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and prototype testing were used to determine the influence of various parameters on its hydrodynamic properties and a selection of structural parameters to achieve an optimal performance index. The analysis results showed that the prototype of the converter worked successfully when the flow velocity of the water was in the range of 0.5 m s −1 to 0.75 m s −1 .