Session: 09-02-05 Wave Energy: Design and Innovation 2

Paper Number: 129795

129795 - The Optimization of Nozzle-Diffuser Duct for an Innovative Wave Energy Conversion System 

An innovative wave energy converter is proposed. In present study, a nozzle-diffuser duct (NDD) is used to transfer wave energy into current energy. If the energy is to be transferred more efficiently, the NDD needs to be optimally designed. First of all, the model in present paper is introduced. Then, the research methods, including the numerical method as well as the optimization algorithm, are explained. Before further investigation, validation needs to be carried out. After the simulation result is validated by comparison with experimental studies, the overall discrepency is less than 4 %. Therefore, more advanced analysis is then performed. The NDD geometry is optimized by the Taguchi method, initiated by a Japanese scholar and then widely adopted and recognized worldwide by the method’s reliability. The result shows that when NDD geometry is under the condition obtained by the optimized method, the efficiency generated by NDD reaches the maximal value. The best design outperforms the average type by 106% and is also superior to the best case in the nine selected cases by 27%. This also implies that when the wave condition of Hualien Harbor in the east coast of Taiwan is applied, the feasibility of the NDD installation to garner energy from the wave is possible.

Presenting Author: Shingnan Wu National Sun Yat-sen University

Presenting Author Biography: A Ph. D. student specializing in wave energy and other type of renewable energy by use of CFD and optimization method.

Authors:

Shingnan Wu National Sun Yat-sen University
Po-Hung Yeh National Sun Yat-sen University
Bang-Fuh Chen National Taiwan Ocean University