Date of Award
2006
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Supervisor
Dr. Ion I. Inculet
Second Advisor
Dr. Diana Inculet
Abstract
This thesis covers a first study of a novel method of electrical power generation from water waves. The converter studied was designed to absorb wave energy by a surfing type motion of a wide paddle linked to an electric machine. The paddle in the proposed system is suspended from a supporting structure, which constrains it from vertical motion, thus only exploiting the horizontal surge force of the wave. Thorough review of existing technology indicated that there had been no previous work on absorbing wave energy by this method. A test module was constructed and tested in the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel Laboratory wave tank facility at the University of Western Ontario. The test module was equipped with a custom built control and measurement system to control speed and electrical loading, record the wave profiles created in the wave tank, as well as the electric machine speed, current and voltage. The model test results indicate a dependence of the system power capture on the slope of the wave; the greater the ratio of wave height to wavelength, the greater the power capture. Difficulty in keeping the paddle on the wave front resulted in the system being subjected to a forward push (in the direction of wave travel) as the wave front impacted the paddle, followed by a reverse push as the crest of the wave passed the paddle. Despite the issues of the reverse push, the power generated in the direction of wave travel was obtained for several test conditions. Power capture as high as 16.8% but typically less than 10% of the calculated incoming wave power was found. Optimization of the paddle shape may increase the power capture. At this time, despite the promising results of this method of power generation, considerable laboratory optimization of the current design will be required before building a large scale unit for ocean site testing. iii Patent protection for this novel method of power generation has been obtained through the University of Western Ontario, Industry Liaison Office based on the potential which the test results have shown.
Recommended Citation
Hazlett, Benjamin D., "ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION BY SURFING WATER WAVES" (2006). Digitized Theses. 5051.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/5051