Modelling a point absorbing wave energy converter by the equivalent electric circuit theory: A feasibility study

Articles you may be interested in Wave power calculations for a wave energy conversion device connected to a drogue Experimental results from wave tank trials of a multi-axis wave energy converter Appl. On thermodynamics in the primary power conversion of oscillating water column wave energy converters A generalized equivalent circuit theory for the electric and magnetic resonances of metallic wire networks There is a need to have a reliable tool to quickly assess wave energy converters (WECs). This paper explores whether it is possible to apply the equivalent electric circuit theory as an evaluation tool for point absorbing WEC system modelling. The circuits were developed starting from the force analysis, in which the hydrodynamic, mechanical, and electrical parameters were expressed by electrical components. A methodology on how to determine the parameters for electrical components has been explained. It is found that by using a multimeter, forces in the connection line and the absorbed electric power can be simulated and read directly from the electric circuit model. Finally, the circuit model has been validated against the full scale offshore experiment. The results indicated that the captured power could be predicted rather accurately and the line force could be estimated accurately near the designed working condition of the WEC. V C 2015 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.