Two power take-off technologies (hydrostatic and dielectric drive trains) for use in wave energy converters have been discussed in this paper. Both technologies need to cope with a high ratio of peak to average power within a harsh environment, making maintenance difficult. At the same time capital and operational expenditures have to be kept as low and efficiency as high as possible to achieve competitive levelised costs of energy. Today hydrostatic drive trains are a promising solution. Still, for example, assessments regarding lifetime of cylinder seals have to be conducted e. g. by means long term prototype testing. In future, a step forward could be made with dielectric elastomers, which are currently under research. For comparison, the function structures for both drive trains technologies are derived and exemplary results from a morphological analysis presented. Several drive train topologies can be utilised when considering hydrostatic transmissions. A concept for the use in an offshore heaving buoy concept is introduced and the simulation results are discussed. The operational behaviour and efficiency in an exemplary sea state are shown. In case of hydrostatic transmissions, suitable systems need to be developed on basis of a mature technology. Dielectric elastomers however require both technology and system development to become an alternative solution for the use in wave energy converters. Several attempts exist to develop dielectric elastomers especially for wave energy conversion, but due to the remaining challenges a first prototype, which will be tested in the open ocean, can only be expected in longer term.
Development of Hydrostatic Drive Trains and Dielectric Elastomer Generators for Wave Energy Conversion
2014
13 Seiten, Bilder, Tabellen, Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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