Damping Effect Coupled with the Internal Translator Mass of Linear Generator-Based Wave Energy Converters

Abstract

The damping effect, induced inside the linear generator, is a vital factor to improve the conversion efficiency of wave energy converters (WEC). As part of the mechanical design, the translator mass affects the damping force and eventually affects the performance of the WEC by converting wave energy into electricity. This paper proposes research on the damping effect coupled with translator mass regarding the generated power from WEC. Complicated influences from ocean wave climates along the west coast of Sweden are also included. This paper first compares three cases of translator mass with varied damping effects. A further investigation on coupling effects is performed using annual energy absorption under a series of sea states. Results suggest that a heavier translator may promote the damping effect and therefore improve the power production. However, the hinder effect is also observed and analyzed in specific cases. In this paper, the variations in the optimal damping coefficient are observed and discussed along with different cases.