Modelling and design of an oscillating wave energy converter
| dc.contributor.advisor | Van Niekerk, J. L. | en_ZA |
| dc.contributor.author | Fairhurst, Jason | en_ZA |
| dc.contributor.other | Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. | en_ZA |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2015-12-14T07:44:19Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2015-12-14T07:44:19Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2015-12 | |
| dc.description | Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. | en_ZA |
| dc.description.abstract | ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis presents the experimental testing and development of a time-domain simulation model for a wave energy converter based on the principles of an oscillating water column. The device was developed and patented by Stellenbosch University hence the name, Stellenbosch Wave Energy Converter (SWEC). The main objective of this project was to produce a verified and validated simulation model for the Stellenbosch Wave Energy Converter. The device is experimentally tested and modelled in two different configurations, namely the Surface SWEC and the Submerged SWEC. Experimental testing and mathematical modelling contributed to the development of the two simulation models. These models provided a better understanding of the hydrodynamics and thermodynamics associated with the device. The experimental results show that the Surface SWEC achieved a peak conversion efficiency of 26% and a conversion efficiency of 15% at the expected operating conditions. The Submerged SWEC achieved a peak conversion efficiency of 22% and a conversion efficiency of 13% at the expected operating conditions. The Surface SWEC simulation model predicted the transmissibility of the device with errors which ranged from 0% to 26% with the majority of the errors being less than 10%. Conversion efficiencies predicted by the Surface SWEC model achieved errors which ranged from 0% to 42% with the majority of the errors being less than 10%. The Submerged SWEC model predicted the transmissibility of the device with errors which ranged from 0% to 20% with the majority of the errors being less than 5%. The Submerged SWEC model predicted the conversion efficiency of the device with errors which ranged from 0% to 43% with the majority of the errors being less than 15%. | en_ZA |
| dc.description.abstract | AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis handel oor die proefondervindelike toetsing en ontwikkeling van ’n tyddomeinsimulasiemodel vir ’n golfenergieomsetter wat op die beginsels van ’n ossillerende waterkolom berus. Die toestel is deur die Universiteit Stellenbosch ontwikkel en gepatenteer, vandaar die naam Stellenbosch Golfenergieomsetter, oftewel SWEC. Die hoofoogmerk van hierdie projek was om ’n getoetste en gestaafde simulasiemodel vir die SWEC te skep. Proefondervindelike toetsing en modellering van die toestel het in twee verskillende konfigurasies, naamlik die oppervlak-SWEC en die onderwater-SWEC, plaasgevind. Met behulp van die proefondervindelike toetsing en wiskundige modellering kon twee simulasiemodelle ontwikkel word. Hierdie modelle het ’n beter begrip gebied van die hidro- en termodinamika wat met die toestel verband hou. Die proefondervindelike resultate toon dat die oppervlak-SWEC ’n topomsettingsdoeltreffendheid van 26% en ’n omsettingsdoeltreffendheid van 15% in die verwagte bedryfsomstandighede lewer. Die onderwater-SWEC het ’n topomsettingsdoeltreffendheid van 22% en ’n omsettingsdoeltreffendheid van 13% in die verwagte bedryfsomstandighede behaal. Die simulasiemodel vir die oppervlak-SWEC het die oordraagbaarheid van die toestel voorspel met foute wat van 0% tot 26% strek, met die meeste foute onder 10%. Die omsettingsdoeltreffendhede wat deur dié model voorspel is, het binne ’n foutgrens van 0% tot 42% geval, met die meeste foute binne 10%. Die model vir die onderwater-SWEC het die oordraagbaarheid van die toestel voorspel met foute wat van 0% tot 20% strek, met die meeste foute onder 5%. Hierdie model het die omsettingsdoeltreffendhede van die toestel binne ’n foutgrens van 0% tot 43% voorspel, met die meeste foute binne 15%. | af_ZA |
| dc.format.extent | 133 pages : illustrations | en_ZA |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/98117 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_ZA | en_ZA |
| dc.publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University | en_ZA |
| dc.rights.holder | Stellenbosch University | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | Time-domain simulation model -- Testing | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | Oscillating water column (OWC) | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | Stellenbosch Wave Energy Converter (SWEC) | en_ZA |
| dc.subject | UCTD | en_ZA |
| dc.title | Modelling and design of an oscillating wave energy converter | en_ZA |
| dc.type | Thesis | en_ZA |