Citation :

Gustavo O. Guarniz Avalos, "Power Generation of a Hinged Arm WEC," International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT), vol. 73, no. 11, pp. 252-260, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V73I11P118

Abstract

Waves contain substantial renewable energy potential; however, their capture presents a significant challenge. Electricity generation capability relies on the effectiveness of the process that converts ocean wave motion into usable power. The direct drive system provides high efficiency; however, the gearbox is an essential element in this system to achieve the desired performance. This research is intended to evaluate the energy performance of an articulated arm Wave Energy Converter (WEC) with a point absorber. The system is mainly distinguished by a pulley system for energy transformation, which influences the transmission ratio. The methodology used to examine the device hydrodynamically is linear wave theory, which introduces viscous damping. Regular waves between 1 m and 2 m in height and 10s to 14s in period, a gearbox with a ratio of up to 40, and a generator rated power between 23kW and 96 kW are analyzed in terms of energy efficiency. The analysis suggests that the mean power increases as the interval between waves shortens and their amplitude grows. However, when both the wave period and height decrease, the capture width ratio increases. The maximum mean performance for the generators reaches nearly half of their nominal rating. To obtain the described performance, the gearbox transmission ratio varies between 8 and 22. The findings indicate that the device shows good performance in such rough seas, and such high gear ratios are not necessary.

Keywords

Direct mechanical drive PTO, Pulley system, WEC, Gearbox transmission ratio.

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