Title :
Adjustable wave chamber for better ocean wave energy harvesting
Author :
Maura Sateriale;Yalda Sadaat;Reza Ghorbani
Author_Institution :
Mechanical Engineering Dept, University of Hawai´i Manoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
fDate :
5/1/2015 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
This study presents and investigates a novel modifiable wave chamber which creates resonance in incoming ocean waves to increase wave velocity to extract more energy. This chamber was inspired by naturally-occurring geological features which create resonance to amplify water wave velocity and wave height. This patentable chamber uses known geometric and wave properties to create Helmholtz resonance to harness a higher percentage of the available energy in ocean waves. The chamber amplifies the velocity of incoming ocean waves to turn hydro turbines more quickly to generate more energy. The overall geometry mimics the shape of a basin and bottleneck. The chamber is modifiable to adapt to changing conditions (such as a change in water height or wave period) to enhance the total harvestable energy. The resonator´s shape invokes Helmholtz resonance at varying wave heights and wave frequency by being instantaneously modifiable with a hinged end that can be moved to different angles. The shape can also be modified with one or more inflatable bags. This study experimentally investigates and compares these changes in the efficiency of the device.
Keywords :
"Shape","Mathematical model","Solid modeling","Ocean waves","Mechanical engineering","Geometry","Computational modeling"
Conference_Titel :
OCEANS 2015 - Genova
DOI :
10.1109/OCEANS-Genova.2015.7271637