Analysis of the potential of a wave energy conversion system for Maltese waters

This paper presents the analysis of waves in the Maltese waters. Through data analysis the results will highlight the most common waves together with others which yield the largest power. The paper also presents a novel type of wave energy converter with a hydraulic power take off system which is being proposed to be replaced by a linear electric machine. Thus wave data was also analysed with respect to this prototype design. However due to its operational characteristics the design is not an optimal one for the local waters and a point absorber type of converter is suggested. This mechanical structure, in conjunction with the linear machine, shall absorb more power from waves with a large wavelength and a relatively small wave height.Alternative Technologies Ltd., Energy Investment Ltd, JMV Vibro Blocks Ltd., Solar Engineering Ltd. and Solar Solutions Ltd.peer-reviewe

Selected Topics from the World Renewable Energy Congress WREC 2014

This research concerns the design of an electrical machine that shall be implemented on a wave energy converter (WEC). Analysis of the available wave data and optimisation of the WEC were carried out so as to design the optimum system that will interact efficiently with the conditions of the selected location. The electrical model was designed for wave heights and periods that yielded the maximum power throughout the year. The initial finite element simulations were undertaken on the design of a 4-pole tubular permanent magnet (PM) linear synchronous machine. The performance of the system was optimised for a wave height and period of 3 meters and 6 seconds, respectively. The capacity of the linear generator was set at 15kVA and the dimensions of the WEC (floating point absorber) were determined accordingly through the application of a simplified model for predicting the coupled dynamic response of the absorber and the linear generator. It was necessary that the machine gives a reasonable performan+ce when operating under the slower and most common waves. Thus an 8-pole and a 16-pole tubular linear PM machine were also simulated and their performance was compared. Through this analysis the 16-pole design resulted in the best performance, especially at low speeds. Simulations were initially compared at fixed speed but were later simulated with variable speed conditions so as to represent more accurately the wave’s motion and monitor the power generator performance at variable loadings.peer-reviewe