Effektivitetsanalys och energiutvinningsmöjligheter för Vigor Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

With an increasing demand for environmentally friendly power many new alternatives have arisen. The alternative studied in this report fits in the wave energy category, and is a concept called "vigor Wave Energy Converter". This paper mainly discusses different turbines and analyzes which is most efficient for this type of construction. Different wave data are used to verify the potential power that Vigor can offer. The potential power production in Ireland and Iceland turned out to be roughly three times higher compared to the one in Sweden. To be able to choose a suitable turbine, head and water flows have been calculated. The paper also describes the optimal construction of a system that can achieve the greatest efficiency, which is shown to be a water tank to create a smooth water flow. Because of its versatility a Kaplan turbine gives the best results. A suitable regulation system for keeping a constant head in the tank is described. Earlier calculations of friction and losses in Vigor conducted by SSPA were proven incorrect because of multiple reasons. These reasons have been explained and a correct method has been presented, along with important pointers worth considering.