Study On Hydrodynamic Characteristics Of The Flap-type Wave Energy Converter

The ocean is full of renewable energy.The development and utilization of marine renewable energy has always been under the spotlight.In recent years,the flap-type wave energy converters(WECs)which have the advantages of wide frequency response range,high energy conversion efficiency and simple structure,have become a popular research field.In foreign countries,flap-type wave energy converters have already been a commercial precedent.But in China,the related technology is still in the research and demonstration stage.In view of China's sea conditions,which is different from Europe,Australia and other areas with lots of wave resources,it is essential to study for the devices suit to the actual sea situation of China.Based on the actual sea conditions of Daguandao,in Qingdao,China,the effects of different environmental factors and shape parameters on the hydrodynamic performance of flap-type wave energy converter are studied by theoretical calculation,numerical simulation and experimental analysis,in order to work out the optimal structural form.The results show that the natural period of the two kinds of flap-type devices are all within the normal wave period range,and the best working draft is 2m.Devices with width of 4m,height of 3m and thickness of 1m,is the optimal choice in the given sea states.