Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing Blades

A wave energy converter features the ability to convert wave energy into the electrical energy required by unmanned devices, and its energy-conversion efficiency is an essential aspect in practical applications. This paper proposes a novel point-absorption wave energy converter with passive morphing...

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Main Authors: Changlei Wang, Zirong Luo, Zhongyue Lu, Jianzhong Shang, Mangkuan Wang, Yiming Zhu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-12-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/1/204
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author Changlei Wang
Zirong Luo
Zhongyue Lu
Jianzhong Shang
Mangkuan Wang
Yiming Zhu
author_facet Changlei Wang
Zirong Luo
Zhongyue Lu
Jianzhong Shang
Mangkuan Wang
Yiming Zhu
author_sort Changlei Wang
collection DOAJ
description A wave energy converter features the ability to convert wave energy into the electrical energy required by unmanned devices, and its energy-conversion efficiency is an essential aspect in practical applications. This paper proposes a novel point-absorption wave energy converter with passive morphing blades to meet the demand for improved energy-conversion efficiency. We first introduce its concept and design, with its blades forming their shape by adaptive changes with the direction of the water flow. Next, the three-dimensional geometrical-morphing model, energy-conversion model, and energy-conversion-efficiency model of the wave energy converter were established. Then, the CFD model was built to optimize the design parameters, and the simulation results revealed that the maximum conversion efficiency can be obtained at 90% solidity with 10 blades, a 40–60% load, and 20~25 degrees for the external deflection angle. The simulations also showed that the passive morphing-blade group provides ~40% higher torque and ~60% higher hydraulic efficiency than the flat-blade group.
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spelling doaj.art-bfc89ca9259f4a1eb5c5dab45f7c18512023-11-16T15:16:00ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732022-12-0116120410.3390/en16010204Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing BladesChanglei Wang0Zirong Luo1Zhongyue Lu2Jianzhong Shang3Mangkuan Wang4Yiming Zhu5College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, ChinaCollege of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, ChinaCollege of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, ChinaCollege of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, ChinaCollege of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, ChinaCollege of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, ChinaA wave energy converter features the ability to convert wave energy into the electrical energy required by unmanned devices, and its energy-conversion efficiency is an essential aspect in practical applications. This paper proposes a novel point-absorption wave energy converter with passive morphing blades to meet the demand for improved energy-conversion efficiency. We first introduce its concept and design, with its blades forming their shape by adaptive changes with the direction of the water flow. Next, the three-dimensional geometrical-morphing model, energy-conversion model, and energy-conversion-efficiency model of the wave energy converter were established. Then, the CFD model was built to optimize the design parameters, and the simulation results revealed that the maximum conversion efficiency can be obtained at 90% solidity with 10 blades, a 40–60% load, and 20~25 degrees for the external deflection angle. The simulations also showed that the passive morphing-blade group provides ~40% higher torque and ~60% higher hydraulic efficiency than the flat-blade group.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/1/204wave powerwave energy converterpower take-offpoint absorptionpassive morphing blade
spellingShingle Changlei Wang
Zirong Luo
Zhongyue Lu
Jianzhong Shang
Mangkuan Wang
Yiming Zhu
Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing Blades
Energies
wave power
wave energy converter
power take-off
point absorption
passive morphing blade
title Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing Blades
title_full Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing Blades
title_fullStr Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing Blades
title_full_unstemmed Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing Blades
title_short Design and CFD Analysis of the Energy Efficiency of a Point Wave Energy Converter Using Passive Morphing Blades
title_sort design and cfd analysis of the energy efficiency of a point wave energy converter using passive morphing blades
topic wave power
wave energy converter
power take-off
point absorption
passive morphing blade
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/16/1/204
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