Design and experiment of a direct-drive wave energy converter using a variable stiffness mechanism

Abstract

This paper proposes a new method to achieve the resonant behavior of a point absorber floating buoy type of Wave Energy Converter using direct drive power take-off system. The system has four main components: a frame; a buoy with a guiding shaft; a supplementary mass coupled with a linear generator and a variable stiffness structure. Firstly, the motion in the vertical direction of the buoy in the sea is converted to an oscillating motion of the supplementary mass. Next, the mass is coupled with a copper coil. The coil motion inside a magnetic wall induces an electrical current in the coil as a linear generator. Besides, a pair of pre-tension springs creates a negative stiffness phenomenon that acts on the motion of the mass and increases the performance of the system. Finally, a variable stiffness structure is installed to control the trajectory of the mass, it can increase the velocity of the mass motion thus the performance of the system is improved. Configuration and working principles of WEC were introduced, studied and analyzed. The mathematical model was presented to explain system behavior. The numerical simulation had been carried out to evaluate the operation of the system. The experimental test rig had been set up and implemented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed structure.