Performance Optimization of a Pneumatic Wave Energy Conversion Device.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was, for the first time, to optimize the performance of a pneumatic wave energy conversion device. The experiments of Jolly and Newmaster (1979) and Trop and Casey (1980) left a capture chamber and turbine for further investigation. To optimize the system performance the turbine had to be first analyzed so that its power performance curves could be determined. These curves were needed to help define the possible overall performance of the system, and for the impedance matching of the system necessary for performance optimization. With this knowledge, an appropriate generator was purchased and a generator-turbine linkage designed and built. The completed system was then analyzed in the 380 ft wave tank at the U.S. Naval Academy to establish its optimum performance. From the research it is clear that pneumatic wave energy conversion is a promising concept. With several hundred of these devices situated some 100 km off the coast of the Pacific Northwest each device would be producing from 50 to 200 kW which would be transferred back to shore.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 26, 1982
Accession Number
ADA124295

Entities

People

  • Stehen W. Surko

Organizations

  • United States Naval Academy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Flow
  • Compressive Properties
  • Control Systems
  • Energy Conversion
  • Frequency
  • Generators
  • Hydropower
  • Impedance
  • Marine Energy
  • Measurement
  • Ocean Waves
  • Pneumatic Equipment
  • Resonance
  • Resonant Frequency
  • United States Naval Academy
  • Water Waves
  • Wave Power

Readers

  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.