A variable-depth platform is under development specifically designed to increase power takeoff performance of ocean wave energy converters (WEC). Two-body harmonic motions, 180 degrees out of phase, were observed during wave tank tests at Stevens Institute of Technology. Empirical data indicates power takeoff performance of WEC tethered to a four-point moored, near-surface, tension leg platform can be more than doubled in a wide range of wave conditions due to increased wave steepness over the platform.
To Mohammad Hossein Rasti,
There was a great deal of data collected at Stevens Institute of Technology which documented the changes in wave height and water particle velocities over a near-surface tension-leg platform relative to the incident waves. I attached two different surface floats over the platform and recorded float motions which had considerably larger excursions from their still water location than the same floats moored to the bottom of the wave tank. How can I use this data to optimize a wave energy converter operational control design to maximize efficiency while minimizing wear and extreme loads. Avoiding extreme loads is simple when moored in deep locations.
Hi Michael Raftery
If this mechanism is similar than an attached schematic, for minimizing extreme load you need lift surface and less weight to decrease draft and maximize motions. Lift surface needs correct attack angle than related to particle velocity, so you can optimizing lift surface shape with empirical results. for mooring this, you can moor some of them with each other similar than a net.
Hope it help
Thank you Mohammad, the main purpose of the variable-depth platform is to create surging waves and two-body harmonic motion. The heave/lift motion is a small fraction of the potential power takeoff, ~5-10%.
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