Conference article

Assessment of A Multi-Cell Fabric Structure as An Attenuating Wave Energy Converter

M. R. Hann
University of Southampton, UK

J. R. Chaplin
University of Southampton, UK

F. J. M. Farley
University of Southampton, UK

Download articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110572143

Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:1, p. 2143-2150

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Published: 2011-11-03

ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

Fabriconda is an attenuating wave energy device constructed from inelastic fabric. It is a flooded distensible tube constructed from a series of smaller flooded tubes; called cells; joined longitudinally. This paper presents a theory to predict the shape a Fabriconda forms at different tube and cell pressures and shows it successfully predicts the shape of a model Fabriconda. A 1D linear finite difference simulation based on the conservation of fluid momentum and mass in both the central tube and cells provides a prediction of the free bulge wave speed along the device. Experiments using a piston to artificially generate a bulge wave within the central tube of a model Fabriconda have produced bulge speeds that demonstrate good agreement with these predictions.

Keywords

Wave energy; Wave power device; Finite difference model

References

[1] Chaplin; J.R.; Farley; F.J.M.; Prentice; M.E.; Rainey; R.C.T.; Rimmer; S.J.; Roach; A.T. Development of the anaconda all-rubber WEC; Proceeding of the 7th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference; Lisbon 2007

[2] Farley; F.J.M.; Rainey; R.C.T. Anaconda - The bulge wave sea energy converter. Technical Note 5 Nov 2006; online www.bulgewave.com; 2006

[3] Farley; F.J.M. All fabric Anaconda . Marine Energy Devices Ltd. Confidential memo paper; 2008.

[4] Farley; F.J.M. Fabriconda design and power take-off. Marine Energy Devices Ltd. Confidential memo paper; 2008.

[5] Heller; V.; Chaplin; J. R.; Farley; F. J. M; Hann; M. R. and Hearn; G. E. Physical model tests of the anaconda wave energy converter. In; First European Congress of the IAHR; Edinburgh; Scotland 2010

[6] Hawthorne; W. The early development of the dracone flexible barge; Proceedings of the institution of mechanical engineers 175; 1961; pp 52-83. doi: 10.1243/PIME_PROC_1961_175_011_02.

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