An Analysis of a Stationary Pneumatic Wave-Energy Converter

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of a stationary pneumatic wave-energy conversion device is presented. Results obtained from the analysis show that the power converted is proportional to the cube of the wave height, producing a maximum time-averaged power per wave period of 25 kw for a 20-ft (6.096 m) diameter unit located in a 3-ft (0.9144 m) sea. The device can be adjusted for purposes of efficiency in any sea spectrum by simply changing the draft (length of the centerpipe) of the unit. The peak power output of the device occurs at a period similar to the resonant period of a surge chamber.