Abstract
In this paper, energy conversion characteristics of a new type wave power device are discussed. In the new system, water valves without any mechanical operation are combined with a few air chambers. Advantage of this system is that the rectifying valves (Water Valve) without moving parts suffer less frequent failures.
To examine the efficiency of this system, the hydraulic model experiment with water valves and a small sized turbine generator was carried out in regular and irregular waves.
The method to calculate electric output in waves by the wave power device was proposed and theoretical calculations were carried out.
Results obtained by model experiments and theoretical calculations are summarized as follow.
(1) In regular waves, the efficiency of the air chamber is roughly 50_??_60% and that of the water valve is about 60_??_70%. In irregular waves, the total efficiency of the new system is about 5_??_6%.
(2) Results of theoretical calculations almost agree with those of experiments both qualitatively and quantitatively.
