Reseach on a Flap Type Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental study is carried out on a flap type wave energy converter. It consists of a caisson with a water chamber open offshore, a flap which is driven by waves and generrator system. Theoretical calculation without local wave term shows maximum efficiency is obtained when chamber depth (d) / wave length (L) equals to 0.25. Calculation with local wave term shows d / L arround 0.2 is best which coinside with the model test. Model test shows that optimum water depth (h) of the chamber is 4m for upper-hinge-type and is 3.5m for lower-hinge-type. Efficiency of wave energy conversion in irregular waves drops to 60% of that in regular waves. Lower-hinge-type wave energy converter is superior than upper-hinge-type in efficiency.