This thesis is focused on development of models and modelling of a wave energy converter in operation. Through the thesis linear potential wave theory has been used to describe the wave-buoy interaction. The differences lie in the generator models, in the simplest model the generator is a mechanical damper characterized by a damping factor. In the most advanced generator model the magnetic fields is calculated the by a FE-method, which gives detailed description of the electric properties and the effect it has on the buoy dynamics. Moreover, an equivalent circuit description of the generator has been tested. It has the same accuracy as the field based model but with a strongly enhanced CPU time. All models are verified against full scale experiments. The models are intended to be used for design of the next generation wave energy converters. Further, the developed models have also been used to study what effect buoy geometry and generator damping have on the ability to energy absorption. In the spring 2006 a full scale wave energy converter was installed at the west coast of Sweden. It was in operation and collected data during three months. During that period the load resistance was varied in order to study the effect on the energy absorption. These collected data was then used in the verification of the developed models. In the year 2002 a wave energy project started at Uppsala University; this work is a part of that larger project which intendeds to develop a viable wave energy conversion concept.

Denna rapport ger förslag på olika metoder att automatiskt justera flytläget på en statiskt förankrad boj, en överblick över de processer som styr ändringen av vattennivån och en statisktisk analys på vattennivåförändringarna vid Stockholm, Kungsholmsfort och Kungsvik. Beroende på vattenivåns variation finns olika metoder för justering. Områden med små variationer av vattennivå lämpar det sig bäst utan någon som helst justering av flytläget. Områden med inte för stora tidvattensförändringar bör justeras med ett system bestående av vinsch, växellåda med en utväxling på 10 000:1, en 12 V DC motor, ett skötselfritt 12 V batteri, en luftlindad linjärgenerator och en trådtöjningsgivare. Områden med stora variationer i tidvatten behöver en avlastning för motorn i form av en fjäder och dämpare. De monteras horizontellt inuti bojen för att skyddas från den yttre miljön. Den statistiska analysen påvisade de största vattennivåändringarna vid både Kungsviks och Kungsholmsforts mätstationer, båda uppvisade ett intervall på 1,6 m mellan minimum och maximum. Kungsvik var den station med de största dagliga variationerna, detta på grund av tidvattnets påverkan i området. / This thesis gives examples of different methods of automated adjustment of floatation level for a static moored buoy, an overview of the theories behind water level change and a statistical analysis of the water level changes for Stockholm, Kungsholmsfort and Kungsvik. Depending on the range and frequency of the water level change different methods of adjustment are recommended. For areas with small changes in sea level the best choice would be no adjustment of the floatation level. Areas that are influenced by moderate tidal ranges should incorporate a system of regulation consisting of a winch, gearbox with a gear ratio of around 10,000:1, 12 V DC motor, 12 V maintenance free battery, air coiled linear generator and a strain gauge. For areas with large tidal ranges the previous system should be complimented with a horizontally mounted spring, inside the buoy, to lessen the loads on the motor. The statistical analysis found the largest extremes in water level of the three sites to be at Kungsvik and Kungsholmsfort, both exhibiting a range of almost 1.6 m. Kungsvik was the station with the largest daily variations, this is because this is the only station influenced by tidal variations.

This thesis presents how experimental results, from wave power research performed offshore at the Lysekil research site, were obtained. The data were used to verify theoretical models as well as evaluate the feasibility of wave power as a future sustainable energy source. The first experiments carried out at the research site was the measurement of the force in a line where one end was connected to a buoy with a diameter of 3 m and the other end to a set of springs with limited stroke length. The system is exposed to high peak forces compared to average forces. The maximum measured force in the line, when the buoy motion is limited by a stiff stopper rope is ten times the average force in that particular sea state. The experiment performed on the first wave energy converter tested at the Lysekil Research Site is described. The infrastructure of the site is presented where the central connection point is the measuring station. The key finding is that it is possible to transform the motions of ocean waves into electrical energy and distribute it to land. Many wave energy converters must be interconnected if large amounts of energy are to be harvested from the waves. The first submerged substation intended for aggregation of energy from wave power converters is described, with focus on the measurement and control system placed inside the substation. During this experiment period the generators were equipped with many different sensors; these measurements are explained in the thesis. The system that aggregates power from the studied wave energy converter is regularly exposed to peak power of up to 20 times the maximum average output from the converter. Vertical and horizontal movement of the buoy has been measured in different ways. The result is that the vertical displacement of the buoy can be measured with a simple accelerometer circuit but it is much more complicated to measure the horizontal displacement. A special method for measuring the horizontal displacement has been implemented by measuring the strain in the enclosure and the force in the line. / Den här avhandlingen berättar om hur experimenten vid Lysekils forskningsområde för vågkraft har utförts. Insamlade mätdata har använts för att verifiera teoretiska samband som modulerats vid Elektricitetslära, Uppsala universitet. De teoretiska och praktiska resultaten har visat på att vågkraft har förutsättningarna att implementeras som en hållbar framtida energikälla. Intressanta mätmetoder har utvecklas och påfrestningarna  på utrustningin och dess samband med medel effekten har studerats. / Lysekils projektet

Different wave power technologies are in development around the world in different stages of prototype testing. So far only a few devices have been deployed offshore at full scale for extended periods of time. Little data is published about how these different devices perform. This thesis presents results from experiments with the full-scale offshore wave energy converters at the Lysekil research site on the Swedish west coast. The theories, experiments, measurements, performance evaluations and developments of the submerged transmission in the direct driven permanent magnet linear generator are in focus. The reciprocating submerged transmission fulfills the purpose of transmitting the absorbed mechanical wave energy through the capsule wall into the generator, while preventing the seawater from entering the capsule and reducing the life time of the converter. A measuring system with seven laser triangulation sensors has been developed to measure small relative displacements between piston rod and seal housing in the submerged transmission with excellent accuracy for the purpose of evaluating both functional behavior and successive wear in-situ. A method for calculating relative tilt angles, azimuth angles, differential tilt angles, and successive wear in the submerged transmission has been developed. Additional sensors systems have been installed in the converter enabling correlation and a thorough investigation into the operating conditions of the transmission and the converter. The thesis presents unique results from the measurements. A data acquisition system transmits the signals from the converter on the seabed to an onshore measuring station. Results are presented in time-, frequency- and the time-frequency domain. The results have given important information for further development of the submerged transmission, which is important to the survivability of the system. The thesis describes the status of research, and is a step that may influence future designs of wave energy devices for reaching survivability and a cost-effective renewable energy system. / <p>Published is a preprint version of the full text and should be combined by the errata.</p> / The Lysekil Wave Power Project

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo numérico bidimensional sobre a otimização da geometria de um dispositivo conversor de energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. O objetivo principal é, através da modelagem computacional de um dispositivo cujo principio de funcionamento é o de Coluna de Água Oscilante (CAO) e do emprego de Constructal Design, maximizar a conversão da energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. Essa técnica é baseada na Teoria Constructal. O aspecto inédito deste trabalho, em relação aos estudos disponíveis na literatura, é o fato de levar em conta o clima de ondas de uma dada região e, a partir disso, dimensionar o dispositivo de modo que ele tenha um desempenho otimizado. Para tanto, foi empregado o método Constructal Design, os graus de liberdade empregados são: H1/L (razão entre a altura e o comprimento da câmara CAO) e H3 (profundidade de submersão do dispositivo CAO). A relação H2/l (razão entre altura e comprimento da chaminé de saída da câmara CAO) é considerada um parâmetro fixo. Foram realizados estudos levando em conta uma onda em escala de laboratório e um espectro de ondas real. Foi também realizado um estudo sobre a influência da perda de carga da turbina através de uma restrição física. Para a solução numérica foi empregado um código comercial de dinâmica dos fluidos computacional, FLUENT®, baseado no Método de Volumes Finitos (MVF). A geometria e a geração a malha foi realizada no software GAMBIT®. O modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) é aplicado no tratamento da interação água-ar. O domínio computacional é representado por um tanque de ondas com o dispositivo CAO acoplado. Os resultados obtidos mostram que é possível estabelecer uma razão de H1/L ótimo, conhecendo-se o clima de ondas, ou seja, o recomendável é que esta razão seja igual a quatro vezes a altura da onda dividido pelo comprimento da onda incidente. / The present work presents a two-dimensional numerical study about the geometric optimization of an ocean Wave Energy Converter (WEC) into electrical energy. The main goal is, through computational modeling of a device whose operating principle is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and from employment Constructal Design, to maximize the conversion of energy of ocean waves into electricity. This technique is based on Constructal Theory. The inedited aspect of this work comparing to the available studies is that it takes into account the wave climate of a given region to design the device so that it achieves optimum performance. Constructal Design is employed varying the degrees of freedom H1/L (ratio between the height and length of OWC chamber) and H3 (lip submergence). While the relation H2/l (ratio between height and length of chimney) is kept fixed. Studies were performed considering a wave on a laboratory scale and a spectrum of real waves. Yet a study of the influence of the turbine pressure losses was performed using a physical constraint. For the numerical solution it is used the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) commercial code FLUENT®, based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM). The geometry and mesh generation was performed in GAMBIT ® software. The multiphasic Volume of Fluid (VOF) model is applied to tackle with the water-air interaction. The computational domain is represented by an OWC device coupled with the wave tank. The results show that it is possible to establish a relationship of H1 / L optimum, if the wave climate is know. It is recommended that this ratio be equal to four times the height of the wave divided by the length of the incident wave.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo maximizar a potência hidropneumática convertida num dispositivo do tipo Coluna d'Água Oscilante (CAO). Para fazê-lo, o método Constructal Design é aplicado para aprimorar a geometria e a profundidade de submersão do dispositivo. No desenvolvimento do método Constructal são propostos e analisados três graus de liberdade: H1/L (razão entre a altura e comprimento da câmara do dispositivo CAO), H2/l (razão entre a altura da câmara e o comprimento da chaminé) e H3 (profundidade de submersão do dispositivo CAO). As restrições do problema (parâmetros constantes) são a área da câmara A1 e a área total do dispositivo CAO A2. O domínio computacional consiste de um dispositivo CAO inserido num tanque que é submetido a ondas na escala real. A malha é desenvolvida no software Ansys Icem®. O código de Dinâmica dos Fluidos Computacional Ansys Fluent® é empregado para encontrar a solução numérica a qual é baseada no método dos Volumes Finitos. O modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) é usado na interação das fases água-ar. Os resultados indicam que a potência hidropneumática máxima obtida é de 190 W para razões de H1/L, H2/l e H3 iguais a 0,135, 6,0 e 9,5 m respectivamente. Por outro lado, o menor valor obtido da potência hidropneumática é de quase 11 W, o que mostra a utilidade do método Constructal, para fornecer uma relação entre o clima de ondas de um lugar determinado e as dimensões ótimas do dispositivo CAO. / The present work aims to maximize the hydropneumatic power converted in an Oscillating Water Column (OWC) device. To do this, Constructal Design is applied to optimize its geometry and submergence. For the development of Constructal method, it has been proposed and analyzed three degrees of freedom: H1/ L (ratio between the height and length of OWC chamber), H2/l (ratio between height and length of chimney), and H3 (submergence). The problem constraints (fixed parameters) are total area of the OWC chamber A1 and total area of OWC device A2. The computational domain consists of an OWC inserted in a tank where waves in a real scale are generated. The mesh is developed in ANSYS ICEM®. The Computational Fluid Dynamics code FLUENT® is used to find the numerical solution which is based on Finite Volume Method (FVM). The multiphasic Volume of Fluid (VOF) model is applied to tackle with the water-air interaction. The results show that the maximum hydropneumatic power obtained was 190 W for H1/L, H2/l e H3 ratios equal to 0.135, 6.0 and 9.5 m respectively. In contrast, the smaller value obtained for the hydropneumatic power is almost 11 W. So, it shows the utility of Constructal Method which provides a relationship between the wave climate of a particular place and the optimal dimensions for the OWC device.

O princípio operacional do dispositivo de galgamento consiste de uma estrutura que utiliza uma rampa para direcionar as ondas incidentes para o reservatório. A água armazenada retorna para o oceano após a passagem por uma turbina que está acoplada a um gerador de energia elétrica. O presente trabalho propõe dois estudos numéricos a respeito de um conversor de energia das ondas do mar do tipo galgamento. Para ambos os casos, o objetivo do estudo é a aplicação do método Design Construtal na definição da melhor forma para a rampa de modo a maximizar a massa de água que entra no reservatório, conduzindo a uma maior geração de energia elétrica. O grau de liberdade b/B, isto é, a razão entre a base superior e a base inferior da rampa trapezoidal, foi otimizado, mantendo-se fixos a área total do tanque de ondas, a área da rampa e as características da onda. Para a análise numérica do princípio de funcionamento deste dispositivo foi empregado um domínio computacional tridimensional (3D), gerado através do software GAMBIT, onde o conversor é acoplado a um tanque de ondas regulares. A solução das equações de conservação e a equação do transporte da fração volumétrica foi realizada com o código comercial de Dinâmica dos Fluidos Computacional FLUENT, que é baseado no Método de Volumes Finitos (MVF). Aplica-se o modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) no tratamento da interação água-ar. Para o primeiro estudo, as características da onda regular empregada estavam em escala de laboratório. Os resultados mostraram que houve uma razão ótima (b/B)o = 0.43, que maximiza a quantidade de água que entra no reservatório para o caso estudado. Para ambos os casos, a razão ótima foi encontrada para o extremo inferior do grau de liberdade, além dos resultados apontarem um aumento significativo na massa admitida no reservatório e, por consequente, um maior aproveitamento das ondas incidentes. / The operational principle of an overtopping device consists of a structure which utilizes a ramp to direct incident waves to the reservoir. The stored water returns to the ocean after passing through a turbine that is coupled to an electric generator. This work proposes two numerical studies of a WEC of sea waves of the type overtopping. In both cases, the objective of the study is the application of Constructal Design method to define the best geometry of the ramp which maximizes the mass of water entering the reservoir, leading to increase the generation of electricity. The degree of freedom b/B, that is, the ratio between the upper base and the lower base of the trapezoidal ramp, has been optimized, keeping fixed the total area of the wave tank, the area of the ramp and the wave characteristics. For the numerical analysis of the working principle of this device it was used a three-dimensional computational domain (3D) generated by GAMBIT software where the device is inserted to a tank of regular waves. The solution of conservation equations and equation of transport of the volumetric fraction was carried out with the Commercial Code of Computational Fluid Dynamics FLUENT, which is based on Finite Volume Method (FVM). It was applied the multiphase model Volume of Fluid (VOF) in the treatment of the interaction water-air. For the first study, the characteristics of the employed regular wave were on a laboratory scale. The results showed that there were an optimal ratio (b/B)o = 0.43, which maximizes the amount of water entering the reservoir for the case study. For the second study, the characteristics of the regular wave were employed at actual scale and the results showed that there was an optimum ratio (b/B)o = 0.38, which maximizes the amount of water entering the reservoir for the case study. In both cases, the optimum ratio is found for the extreme lower of freedom of degree and the results showed a significant increase in the mass allowed in the reservoir and, consequently, larger use of the incident waves.

As energias renováveis vêm ocupando parcelas cada vez maiores das matrizes energéticas dos principais países do mundo, devido aos custos e impactos da exploração de combustíveis fósseis, e à necessidade de ampliação dos suprimentos de energia. Atualmente, as energias hidrelétrica, eólica e solar apresentam viabilidade técnica e econômica para uma grande quantidade de aplicações, com desenvolvimento tecnológico em alto nível de maturidade. A energia de ondas oceânicas ainda exige investimentos razoáveis para se tornar uma alternativa viável para fornecimento de energia elétrica, e vem sendo alvo de projetos para prospecção de potenciais e para desenvolvimento de tecnologias para conversão de energia. Neste estudo, chegou-se ao valor médio anual de 12 kW por metro de frente de onda como estimativa do potencial energético das ondas oceânicas do litoral norte do Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Esse valor é considerado razoável se comparado a potenciais em outros locais do mundo, e pode representar um acréscimo interessante de suprimentos de energia ao sistema energético local, que se mostra bastante receptivo aos recursos renováveis. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar, em nível de pré-viabilidade, a inserção de suprimentos de energia de ondas no sistema interligado do litoral norte do RS, com base em simulações computacionais realizadas com o software HOMER, desenvolvido especialmente para otimização de sistemas de geração de energia baseados em recursos renováveis. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que empreendimentos para aproveitamento de energia de ondas atinjam viabilidade econômica quando seus custos específicos se tornarem pelo menos iguais ao dobro dos custos específicos associados aos aproveitamentos eólicos. / Renewable energies are increasingly occupying larger areas of the power generation matrices in major countries in the world, because of the costs and impacts of the fossil fuels exploitation, and because of the need to increase energy supplies. Currently, hydro, wind and solar energies present technical and economic feasibility for a lot of applications, with technological development at a high level of maturity. The wave energy still requires reasonable investment to become a viable alternative for electric energy supply, and has been the target for research projects about locations of potential energy and for development of power conversion technologies. The potential of the coast of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) has already been estimated and presents an annual average around 12 kW per meter of wave front. This value is considered reasonable compared to other potential sites in the world, and may represent an interesting addition to the energy supply of the local energy system, which shows a great receptivity to renewable resources. This study aims to assess, in pre-feasibility level, the insertion of wave energy supplies in the interconnected system of the northern coast of RS, based on computer simulations performed with the software HOMER, specially developed for optimization of power generation systems based on renewable resources. The results suggest that projects for harnessing wave energy reach economic feasibility when their specific costs become at least twice the specific costs associated with wind farms.

O presente trabalho apresenta um estudo numérico bidimensional sobre a otimização da geometria de um dispositivo conversor de energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. O objetivo principal é, através da modelagem computacional de um dispositivo cujo principio de funcionamento é o de Coluna de Água Oscilante (CAO) e do emprego de Constructal Design, maximizar a conversão da energia das ondas do mar em energia elétrica. Essa técnica é baseada na Teoria Constructal. O aspecto inédito deste trabalho, em relação aos estudos disponíveis na literatura, é o fato de levar em conta o clima de ondas de uma dada região e, a partir disso, dimensionar o dispositivo de modo que ele tenha um desempenho otimizado. Para tanto, foi empregado o método Constructal Design, os graus de liberdade empregados são: H1/L (razão entre a altura e o comprimento da câmara CAO) e H3 (profundidade de submersão do dispositivo CAO). A relação H2/l (razão entre altura e comprimento da chaminé de saída da câmara CAO) é considerada um parâmetro fixo. Foram realizados estudos levando em conta uma onda em escala de laboratório e um espectro de ondas real. Foi também realizado um estudo sobre a influência da perda de carga da turbina através de uma restrição física. Para a solução numérica foi empregado um código comercial de dinâmica dos fluidos computacional, FLUENT®, baseado no Método de Volumes Finitos (MVF). A geometria e a geração a malha foi realizada no software GAMBIT®. O modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) é aplicado no tratamento da interação água-ar. O domínio computacional é representado por um tanque de ondas com o dispositivo CAO acoplado. Os resultados obtidos mostram que é possível estabelecer uma razão de H1/L ótimo, conhecendo-se o clima de ondas, ou seja, o recomendável é que esta razão seja igual a quatro vezes a altura da onda dividido pelo comprimento da onda incidente. / The present work presents a two-dimensional numerical study about the geometric optimization of an ocean Wave Energy Converter (WEC) into electrical energy. The main goal is, through computational modeling of a device whose operating principle is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and from employment Constructal Design, to maximize the conversion of energy of ocean waves into electricity. This technique is based on Constructal Theory. The inedited aspect of this work comparing to the available studies is that it takes into account the wave climate of a given region to design the device so that it achieves optimum performance. Constructal Design is employed varying the degrees of freedom H1/L (ratio between the height and length of OWC chamber) and H3 (lip submergence). While the relation H2/l (ratio between height and length of chimney) is kept fixed. Studies were performed considering a wave on a laboratory scale and a spectrum of real waves. Yet a study of the influence of the turbine pressure losses was performed using a physical constraint. For the numerical solution it is used the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) commercial code FLUENT®, based on the Finite Volume Method (FVM). The geometry and mesh generation was performed in GAMBIT ® software. The multiphasic Volume of Fluid (VOF) model is applied to tackle with the water-air interaction. The computational domain is represented by an OWC device coupled with the wave tank. The results show that it is possible to establish a relationship of H1 / L optimum, if the wave climate is know. It is recommended that this ratio be equal to four times the height of the wave divided by the length of the incident wave.

O princípio operacional do dispositivo de galgamento consiste de uma estrutura que utiliza uma rampa para direcionar as ondas incidentes para o reservatório. A água armazenada retorna para o oceano após a passagem por uma turbina que está acoplada a um gerador de energia elétrica. O presente trabalho propõe dois estudos numéricos a respeito de um conversor de energia das ondas do mar do tipo galgamento. Para ambos os casos, o objetivo do estudo é a aplicação do método Design Construtal na definição da melhor forma para a rampa de modo a maximizar a massa de água que entra no reservatório, conduzindo a uma maior geração de energia elétrica. O grau de liberdade b/B, isto é, a razão entre a base superior e a base inferior da rampa trapezoidal, foi otimizado, mantendo-se fixos a área total do tanque de ondas, a área da rampa e as características da onda. Para a análise numérica do princípio de funcionamento deste dispositivo foi empregado um domínio computacional tridimensional (3D), gerado através do software GAMBIT, onde o conversor é acoplado a um tanque de ondas regulares. A solução das equações de conservação e a equação do transporte da fração volumétrica foi realizada com o código comercial de Dinâmica dos Fluidos Computacional FLUENT, que é baseado no Método de Volumes Finitos (MVF). Aplica-se o modelo multifásico Volume of Fluid (VOF) no tratamento da interação água-ar. Para o primeiro estudo, as características da onda regular empregada estavam em escala de laboratório. Os resultados mostraram que houve uma razão ótima (b/B)o = 0.43, que maximiza a quantidade de água que entra no reservatório para o caso estudado. Para ambos os casos, a razão ótima foi encontrada para o extremo inferior do grau de liberdade, além dos resultados apontarem um aumento significativo na massa admitida no reservatório e, por consequente, um maior aproveitamento das ondas incidentes. / The operational principle of an overtopping device consists of a structure which utilizes a ramp to direct incident waves to the reservoir. The stored water returns to the ocean after passing through a turbine that is coupled to an electric generator. This work proposes two numerical studies of a WEC of sea waves of the type overtopping. In both cases, the objective of the study is the application of Constructal Design method to define the best geometry of the ramp which maximizes the mass of water entering the reservoir, leading to increase the generation of electricity. The degree of freedom b/B, that is, the ratio between the upper base and the lower base of the trapezoidal ramp, has been optimized, keeping fixed the total area of the wave tank, the area of the ramp and the wave characteristics. For the numerical analysis of the working principle of this device it was used a three-dimensional computational domain (3D) generated by GAMBIT software where the device is inserted to a tank of regular waves. The solution of conservation equations and equation of transport of the volumetric fraction was carried out with the Commercial Code of Computational Fluid Dynamics FLUENT, which is based on Finite Volume Method (FVM). It was applied the multiphase model Volume of Fluid (VOF) in the treatment of the interaction water-air. For the first study, the characteristics of the employed regular wave were on a laboratory scale. The results showed that there were an optimal ratio (b/B)o = 0.43, which maximizes the amount of water entering the reservoir for the case study. For the second study, the characteristics of the regular wave were employed at actual scale and the results showed that there was an optimum ratio (b/B)o = 0.38, which maximizes the amount of water entering the reservoir for the case study. In both cases, the optimum ratio is found for the extreme lower of freedom of degree and the results showed a significant increase in the mass allowed in the reservoir and, consequently, larger use of the incident waves.