Section I
Development and Performance Analysis of a Small-Scale On-shore Wave Energy Converter
Authors:
B. J. C. L. Jayathunga ,
LK
About B. J. C. L.
AMIE(SL), AEng, AMSLEMA, BSc. Eng. (Hons.) (Ruhuna)
H. C. P. Karunasena
University of Ruhuna, Galle, LK
About H. C. P.
Professor, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
AMIE(SL), AEng, PhD (QUT), MSc (Moratuwa), BSc. Eng. (Hons.) (Moratuwa)
Abstract
Many renewable energy sources are being exploited at a higher rate due to the increasing demand for cleaner and cheaper energy. However, sea wave energy extraction remains one of the least-developed renewable energy sources despite its high energy density and availability compared to many other renewable energy sources. Accordingly, this work aimed to develop a smallscale sea wave energy converter (WEC) to be deployed in a non-shore configuration for power generation. A device was designed to extract both the kinetic and potential energies from sea waves aiming for higher overall energy extraction efficiency. It is composed of a set of flaps and a floater, which are rigidly connected to a frame allowing them to interact with incoming waves. Following the concept, a small-scale model with 35 W capacity was fabricated and tested in a coastal location near Galle, Sri Lanka, having waves of approximately 1 m wave height and a 20 s wave period. It was observed that the device could extract power continuously, yielding an average power output of 1.45 W and an overall efficiency of 4.143%. Wave irregularities, sand particle interaction, and frictional losses in mechanism were observed to be hindering the performance of the convertor, which need to be addressed in the future.
How to Cite:
Jayathunga, B.J.C.L. and Karunasena, H.C.P., 2022. Development and Performance Analysis of a Small-Scale On-shore Wave Energy Converter. Engineer: Journal of the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka, 55(4), pp.47–60. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/engineer.v55i4.7543
Published on
31 Dec 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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