Modelling and verification of the dynamics of an ocean current energy converter

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has a signi cant potential resource for electrical power generationin the Agulhas Current on the southeast coast. The Ocean CurrentEnergy Convertor studied in this project was designed to generate power fromthis current. The feasibility of this device was investigated by analysing thedynamic stability and controllability of the convertor, when acted upon byhydrodynamic forces while harvesting energy from the current. A simulationmodel was developed to predict the dynamic behaviour using the Simulinksoftware suite. A scale model of the prototype was built and tested in theTowing Tank at Stellenbosch University, and the experimental results werecompared against the simulation results. A control algorithm was designed,using the mathematical model, to control the roll angle and deployment depth.The control algorithm was tested in simulation.The results indicated that the simulation model accurately predicted thebehaviour of the prototype in testing, and results showed that the deviceis both stable and controllable. It was concluded that this OCEC designconcept warrants further investigation. The recommendations are that theexperimental model be improved to ensure reliable experimental results, thatfurther complexity be added to the simulation model, and that the controlalgorithm be tested on the improved prototype in the towing tank.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University