117 50 Wave Energy Pressure Stabilizing Valve J. Lodberg, T. G. Jensen, C. L. Hansen, M. S. Jensen, A. Gohamar, E. L. Jespersen and C. Vestbjerg DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark INTRODUCTION In the search for new ways to exploit sustainable energy sources, wave energy constitutes a huge potential as there are so far only a few operating Wave Energy Converters (WEC’s) even though energetic waves are in abundance all over the world. MOTIVATION There are two major challenges for Wave Energy Converters. The first challenge is the price per kilo-Watt-hour, which is as of yet too high compared to e.g. wind energy. This owes to the generally high weight and extensive mooring requirement of WEC-plants, which is essential for sufficient resistance to the large forces that occur during storms at sea. The other main challenge for WEC plants is the conversion of mechanical energy of waves into electrical power. This project addresses the second problem in relation to a Wavepiston system. The system consists of a long tube with a number of perpendicular plates attached. The plates are moved in both directions by propagating waves, creating a pressure inside the tube. Our project addresses the challenge of stabilizing the pressure and water flow in the tube in order to create optimum conditions for running a Power Take-Off System presumably in the form of a Pelton Turbine. METHOD The project will include an experiment as a pivotal element. The aim of the experiment is to test is to test whether it is possible to control and stabilize the pressure of the discharge flow from the Wavepiston tube. The experiment will be conducted using a setup of tubes of the same type as wave piston though on a smaller scale. There will be a flow of water in the piping driven by a high-pressure pump. During the experiment, pressure and flow conditions will be set to resemble a scaled version of a Wavepiston tube under diverse weather conditions. A needle valve will attached to the outlet of the pipe in order to be tested for its ability to stabilize the flow and pressure in the pipe as well as at the discharge point. The pressure and flow settings of the system will correspond to simulated values for the system computed by our supervisor. The results of the experiment will be compared to further theoretic data for the optimum performance of a Power Take Off system under given conditions. Initially, the objective of the experiment was to test the pressure stabilizing abilities of a valve designed specifically for the experiment conditions. Due to shortage of time the valve used in the experiment will be a resembling nozzle bought for the occasion. Results As the project is not finished at the deadline of this abstract, the results are not yet known. Given a positive result, it will be possible to stabilize the pressure in the Wavepiston Tube and thereby creating evidence that the Wavepiston system can feed a Power Take Off system. ENERGY FROM WIND, SUN AND WATER POSTER CONCEPT BACHELOR LEVEL COURSE / PROJECT
Grøn Dyst 2016
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