Evaluation Of Ocean Energy Conversion Based On Linear Generator Concepts

EVALUATION OF OCEAN-ENERGY CONVERSION BASED ON LINEAR GENERATOR CONCEPTS As the world continues to demand greater productivity and lifestyle enrichment through technological advancements, the demand for electrical power is predicted to escalate dramatically. Thus far, this increased demand has been primarily supplied from fossil fueled plants. Unfortunately, the burning of fossil fuels produce harmful carbon dioxide pollution as a by-product. It has been hypothesized that unless a clean, renewable, and efficient alternate source of energy is found soon, the world may either exhaust its supplies of energy-producing materials or drastically degrade its environment. However, motions that occur naturally, such as ocean waves, can play a significant role in generating environmentally safe and economically viable energy for human utilization. The focus of this work predicts the electrical power generation capabilities from a seabed mounted linear generator tethered to a floating buoy heaving under the influence of passing ocean surface waves. Mathematical models are introduced which simulate the oceans' surface conditions under both the regular (basic) and irregular (natural) wave regimes, the heave (vertical displacement) response for a floating buoy, and the resulting electrical output parameters of the linear generator. Within these models, various physical and electrical parameters are altered in an attempt to generate a greater output power for a given sea state condition, making the Wave Energy Converter (WEC) more efficient. It is shown theoretically that the buoy can be designed to have a greater heave response than that of the height of a passing wave resulting in an increase in generated power from the linear generator. Author Information: Dr. Michael A. Stelzer is a Certified Project Manager and Senior Electronic Technician with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering. During his career to date, Mr. Stelzer has published four additional educational titles and has been admitted into Cambridge Who's Who top 101 industry experts.

It is shown theoretically that the buoy can be designed to have a greater heave response than that of the height of a passing wave resulting in an increase in generated power from the linear generator.

Linear machines and drives

This volume will prove of vital interest to those studying the use of renewable resources. Scientists, engineers, and inventors will find it a valuable review of ocean wave mechanics as well as an introduction to wave energy conversion. It presents physical and mathematical descriptions of the nine generic wave energy conversion techniques, along with their uses and performance characteristics. Author Michael E. McCormick is the Corbin A. McNeill Professor of Naval Engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy. In addition to his timely and significant coverage of possible environmental effects associated with wave energy conversion, he provides a separate treatment of several electro-mechanical energy conversion techniques. Many worked examples throughout the book will be particularly useful to readers with a limited mathematical background. Those interested in research and development will benefit from the extensive bibliography.

Also called energy scavenging, energy harvesting captures, stores, and uses "clean" energy sources by employing interfaces, storage devices, and other units. Unlike conventional electric power generation systems, renewable energy harvesting does not use fossil fuels and the generation units can be decentralized, thereby significantly reducing transmission and distribution losses. But advanced technical methods must be developed to increase the efficiency of devices in harvesting energy from environmentally friendly, "green" resources and converting them into electrical energy. Recognizing this need, Energy Harvesting: Solar, Wind, and Ocean Energy Conversion Systems describes various energy harvesting technologies, different topologies, and many types of power electronic interfaces for stand-alone utilization or grid connection of energy harvesting applications. Along with providing all the necessary concepts and theoretical background, the authors develop simulation models throughout the text to build a practical understanding of system analysis and modeling. With a focus on solar energy, the first chapter discusses the I−V characteristics of photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV models and equivalent circuits, sun tracking systems, maximum power point tracking systems, shading effects, and power electronic interfaces for grid-connected and stand-alone PV systems. It also presents sizing criteria for applications and modern solar energy applications, including residential, vehicular, naval, and space applications. The next chapter reviews different types of wind turbines and electrical machines as well as various power electronic interfaces. After explaining the energy generation technologies, optimal operation principles, and possible utilization techniques of ocean tidal energy harvesting, the book explores near- and offshore approaches for harvesting the kinetic and potential energy of ocean waves. It also describes the required absorber, turbine, and generator types, along with the power electronic interfaces for grid connection and commercialized ocean wave energy conversion applications. The final chapter deals with closed, open, and hybrid-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion systems.