Description
Objectives
After completing the course the students should: • be familiar with the linear hydrodynamic theory of surface waves and its application to wave energy systems; • have basic knowledge of hydrodynamic modeling and control of wave energy systems; • have introductory knowledge of ocean energy system testing and monitoring techniques; • be familiar with the state of the art of electro- mechanical equipment for wave energy conversion; • acquired basic knowledge related to mooring and anchoring systems; • be familiar with the design principles of ocean energy arrays.
Syllabus
Brief historical introduction. Types of wave energy converters. Linear theory of surface waves. Regular and irregular waves. Spectra. The energy content of waves. Modelling of oscillating bodies and oscillating water column systems. Linear interactions between waves and fixed and oscillating structures. Wave energy resource. Frequency domain analysis. Hydrodynamic coefficients and their calculation. Time-domain analysis. Control methods and their effectiveness. Devices with several degrees-of-freedom. Interference between converters in arrays. Mooring and anchoring systems. Application of dimensional analysis. Model testing techniques. Specific electro-mechanical energy conversion systems: high-pressure hydraulic circuits; linear electric generators and air turbines. Offshore structures. Offshore operations and safety. Underwater electrical connections.
Prerequisites
Fluid Mechanics, basic programming skills.
Cross Competence Component
The laboratory work is to be performed in groups and requires critical and innovative thinking, contributing to teamwork skills and for improving scientific and technical communication among future engineers.
Laboratorial Component
The laboratory work consists of testing a small-scale model of an oscillating- water-column wave energy converter in the IST wave flume. The model is made of PVC and ABS parts. The laboratory is equipped with resistive wave probes to measure the water-free surface displacement, a motion tracking system (infra- red cameras) to measure the six-degree-of-freedom motion of floating bodies, and air pressure sensors. To collect the data, students will attend the laboratory in groups with the supervision of the teaching staff. The acquired data enables the calculation of capture width, as wells as the Response Amplitude Operator (RAO) for heave, pitch and surge motions of the wave energy converter.
Programming And Computing Component
For the post-processing of the laboratory data, the students need to run a computer code that computes the Response Amplitude Operators and other relevant parameters. Additionally, they must validate the computed results.
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.