Ocean wave energy systems design: Conceptual design methodology for the operational matching of the wells air turbine

Abstract

The paper has set out a conceptual design methodology that was employed in the design of a Wells air turbine for OWC ocean wave energy plants. In particular, the operational matching of the performance of the turbine is used as the premise in achieving an optimal design configuration and sizing, given the range and frequency of power bands presented to the turbine over long periods of time. This is in contrast to designing the turbine to accommodate the average power rating delivered by the OWC. It was seen that this resulted in a 5% improvement in power output with the optimal size of the turbine required to be slightly larger than the average pneumatic power rating would suggest. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London Limited.