Development of the Reciprocating Airflow Generator for Wave Power Generator and Study on the Vertical Axis Turbine Characteristics in Reciprocating Airflow

Abstract

Renewable energy is attracting attention as an alternative to current mainstream power generator sources. One source of renewable energy is wave energy. We devised a simulator for the OWC-type wave power generator and developed a reciprocating airflow generator is generated reciprocating airflow by using the reciprocating motion of a piston. This piston motion was achieved by converting the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion of the ball screw via gears. Furthermore, we used a vertical axis turbine with arc camber blades and studied on the turbine characteristics. Owing to the reciprocation of the piston, a substantially sinusoidal reciprocating airflow was generated in the measurement section. It was confirmed that a reciprocating airflow speed was generated for all the target values. A load characteristic test of the turbine was conducted. It was confirmed that the maximum turbine output was 1.60W.