Hydraulic investigations of a “tapered channel” model of a wind-wave energy converter

Conclusions

• 1. Hydraulic tests of models of a tapered channel energy converter carried out in a wind—wave flume revealed a substantial dependence of the productivity (energy of the flow streaming over the crest) and effectiveness (i.e., efficiency) of the converter on the flow regime, length and height of the wave, depth of the water in front of the converter, and the geometric dimensions of the tapered channel, such as the inclination of the floor, length of the inclined surface, and angle of convergence of the lateral walls. There exist certain optimal values of the characteristics and parameters for which the capacity and efficiency of the slope are maximal. The range of variation of these characteristics and parameters which was adopted in the experiments was, in the main, sufficient for revealing the optimal values and for the development of sound recommendations for determination of these optimal values.

• 2. A tapered channel type of wind—wave energy converter has an efficiency of, on average, 20% where there is an optimal relation between the dimensions. This efficiency is, in general, typical of modern converters of nontraditional, lowpotential soruces of energy. The remainder of the energy is absorbed in degradation of the waves and in the energy converter itself, basically in the interaction between the incident flow and the quasi-smooth flow off the slope from the preceding wave. Thus, we can recommend a tapered-channel type of wind—wave energy converter for use as an effective wave screening device for beaches and gently sloping coasts.

• 3. It is recommended that the values of the characteristics and parameters in the ranges given below be employed in practical design work. These values ensure that optimal value of the indicators of the productivity and effectiveness of a tapered channel type of energy converter will be achieved: {fx514-1}