Heave Response Amplitude Operator of Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter in Low Wave Energy

Abstract

Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter (PAWEC) is a floater device that moves up and down with waves. The device absorbs the orbital motion of the wave and utilize the heaving motion to drive the generator, converting the mechanical energy to generate electricity. PAWEC has been famously used by researchers as it is easy for fabrication and installation. Most of the PAWEC prototype and research recently used wave data from European seas which have high wave energy. The objectives of this paper are to analyse the heaving performance of existing PAWEC design in low wave condition in Malaysia and its average of oscillation. There are three existing designs used i.e. Wavestar, Aquabuoy and Ocean Power Technology (OPT). Three wave conditions were considered in this research i.e. 0.03 m, 0.09 m and 0.15 m. The different bottom parameters of the floater play an important role such as curved, cone and flat for effective absorption to produce energy by converted it to electricity. The results show Wavestar and OPT design point absorber Heave Response Amplitude Operator (HRAO) is improved to absorb in low wave height compared to Aquabuoy by average HRAO efficiency 33% and power output of 4(Mw). This analysis highlights the extensive research being done to bring point absorbers closer to technical maturity, paving the way for commercialization and mass production for low wave energy in Malaysia.