Efficiency optimization in a wave energy hyperbaric converter

Abstract

This paper considers the problem of optimizing the efficiency of the primary conversion on an ocean wave energy hyperbaric converter. This wave energy converter (WEC) is an oscillating-body linked to a hyperbaric chamber. By solving the equation of motion of the power take-off mechanism, it is shown that optimal conditions for improving the absorbed power relate the buoy parameters and the chamber pressure with the incident waves. This work also proposes an algorithm for finding the best time interval that the body remains locked when latching control strategy is used to enhance the efficiency of the WEC. Numerical simulations are presented in order to evaluate the optimum conditions of the hyperbaric WEC and the performance of the proposed algorithm.