The open sea tests of the offshore floating type wave power device "Mighty Whale" -characteristics of wave energy absorption and power generation

Abstract

"Mighty Whale" is a floating type wave power device based on an oscillating water column (OWC) principle. The prototype of Mighty Whale was installed at the test location, the mouth of Gokasho Bay in Mie prefecture, in July 1998. The open sea tests were started on September 1998, and we are keeping on measuring many data to show the safety and economic features of the device. This paper shows an interim report of characteristics of wave energy absorption and power generation of the prototype by the open sea tests. The results of data analysis of the open sea tests at this time, average power output is 6-7 kWh and the maximum total energy efficiency is around 15% that is ranging from 6 seconds to 7 seconds of significant wave period. These are approximately similar to the values estimated by the theoretical analysis and water tank experiments before the open sea tests.