Simulation-Based Approach in Selecting a Wave Energy Converter for Sri Lankan Wave Conditions

Abstract

With the growing interest in renewable energy, sea waves are considered as an energy source with a high potential for power generation. Sri Lanka being an island surrounded by the sea with about 1300 km long coastal belt, the country holds a theoretical potential of generating a significant amount of power for the national grid from wave energy conversion. Hence this research is focused on the analysis of an improved wave energy convertor which suits Sri Lankan coastal weather conditions. Analysis was conducted based on the wave patterns in the coastal belt to identify the most suitable places to implement wave energy converters. A comparison of existing wave energy conversion technologies and computation simulations were conducted to identify suitable technology for the local wave conditions. The study revealed that the point absorber type wave energy converter was the best solution compatible with wave conditions for the selected coastal region. Buoy geometry of the point absorber was analyzed using computational simulations to select the best geometry. The simulation results showed that the half capsule shape produced the highest force extraction compared to the other shapes.