Wave Energy Device.(Surge Energy Conversion and Transfer - SECAT)

This is a model of a Wave Energy Conversion device I have invented. The device would operate in nearshore areas in 10-15m of water and would be invisible. It would be approximately 5-6m diameter. At the moment I cannot say how energy much energy it could produce as I cannot afford testing time in a wave tank.
Does anyone know how to calculate the surge energy available in the filmed tank conditions. The waves were 22mm high with a 1.35 second period. SWL was 195mm. The model produced 4.34mW in these conditions but I do not know for certain how to calculate the surge energy available. The model is 100mm diameter.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Wave energy device
• wave energy
• wave energy conversion
• Surge energy
• wec
• wave energy converter
• wave energy generator
• SECAT
• Surge energy converter
• renewable energy
• renewables
• alternative energy
• Marine renewables
• ocean energy
• ocean wave energy

[cyberdustz]

Nice concept. but I wonder if it works. The particles aren't moving all with the same radius. The upper particles will move faster and with greater radius than the lower ones, and the sum of energy with be 0. I am curious to see, if the wheel will turn at all.

[identernet]

@cyberdustz The device would work in relatively shallow water. As the depth of the water reduces the particle oscillations go from circular to elliptical. At the extreme ie just before a wave breaks, they are almost flat ellipses oscillating forwards and backwards. It is this motion which drives the device. It works on the same principle as the "Oyster" device but converts directly to rotary motion. When I made this video I didn't have the chance to rig up my pulley lift device.

[identernet]

@cyberdustz

When I made this video I didn't have the chance to rig up my pulley lift to measure the recovered energy. The university allowed me to use their flume tank, but on this day they had an experiment further down the tank. I had previously used this lift device and it absorbed approximately 25% of the available energy. I can assure you that it works but I don't have the funds to develop it further.

[uniturbine]

Looks like a nice concept design. Will need to consider the flex fatigue resistance of the turbine fins (not calling them blades). Perhaps Poly-urethane!

Moot point would be the wave energy conversion efficiency.

[identernet]

@uniturbine Hi

Polyurethane is my material of choice at the moment. Perhaps there is a better material but I don't what at the moment. Fatigue of the materials is obviously the main problem but looking at the life of car tyres (I know they are reinforced rubber) it gives me a starting point. The model is made to lift weights to test power output. I was only able to get results for the one wave size and it appears to be about %28 efficient pressuming I am calculating the surge power correctly.

[marinerenewable]

Wow. I can see many advantages with your device over others. Cost effective, direct rotary output rather than oscillating, can't be seen, got to be kind to marine life. Why can't you get a grant of some kind to further investigate. If it can work at 28% then that is amazing. Most people never mention efficiency. Wonder why.

[uniturbine]

@identernet

28% would be very good if you can achieve it.