Modeling and simulation of a wave energy converter system. Case study: Point absorber

Abstract

Wind and solar energy have been taking the control of the renewable energy market, as costs have decreased rapidly and the threats from climate change have made clear the need to change from fossil fuels. Wave energy has been underrated all the past years. Wave energy has more potential and more advantage the other forms of renewable energy. More predictable, consistent and controllable than either wind or solar power, with the right infrastructure in place, it could be a sustainable alternative for supplying base-load power. It also has a very low impact that neither disturbs aquatic life nor spoils the coastal view that prompts so much ire from the public. The paper presents a wave power converter system. The results obtained are analyzed and the data of the simulation are presented as preliminary validation. The purpose it is to discuss different wave energy converter WEC, we will have a full simulation of each type and discuss the functioning of each one of them. The models are implemented and simulated through the applications Design Modeler, ANSYS AQWA and WEC-SIM. On the basis of the simulated results, we can conclude that generating power from the wave is quite promising for our future and will be a great addition in the renewable energy market, and will contribute to face the global climate change problem.