Work

Performance analysis of two-body wave energy converters with a bistable mechanism and a mechanical motion rectifier in irregular waves

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Various bistable mechanisms have been extensively investigated in wave energy utilization. However, there is little application of their physical realization in two-body wave energy converters (WECs) suitable for offshore regions. Therefore, this work proposes a physical realization of a spring bistable mechanism (SBM). The spring bistable mechanism consists of a pair of pressure springs in series on each side and is integrated into the WEC with a power takeoff (PTO) based on a mechanical motion rectifier. The system dynamic model in time domain is developed and validated by the bench test. The dynamic characteristics and performance of the integrated WEC are analyzed in irregular waves. The passive control of the SBM is discussed to uncover the effect of the SBM on performance enhancement. The results suggest that the output power per displacement volume achieves 16.2W/m3 at the significant wave height of 0.1m for the WaveBob type WEC, which is superior to that for the PowerBuoy type WEC. The output power is improved by a maximum ratio of 16.33% for the WaveBob type WEC due to the large hydrostatic stiffness of the spar and adjustment of natural frequency of the torus by the SBM in inter-well state.

Source: Journal of Ocean Engineering and Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.joes.2025.10.006

Authors: Zihe Chen, Xiantao Zhang, Lei Liu, Yu Zhang, Xinliang Tian, Xin Li

Institutions: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering

Language: English

Topic: Wave and Wind Energy Systems

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing, Natural Science Foundation Project of Chongqing, Chongqing Science and Technology Commission