Evaluation of the Stiffness Mechanism on the Performance of a Hinged Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

This paper presents the numerical and experimental study of a new spring mechanism adapted to a cone-shaped point absorber wave energy converter (WEC). The WEC is intended to be hinged to a floating wind platform with a long arm to create a combined wind and wave harvesting concept. The main objective of the spring mechanism is to improve the platform by restoring moments against the wind thrust forces, generated by the wind turbine. However, the study is presented for the case where the WEC dynamics is investigated outside the platform and attached to a fixed frame, to validate the mathematical model of the WEC concept and study the effects of the spring mechanism on wave energy absorption. In addition, the impact on the power harvesting performance is investigated with and without spring mechanism scenarios and different sea states.