Performance of a new direct mechanical drive PTO for a hinged arm wave energy converter

Ocean waves contain the highest energy density among renewable energy sources. However, the harnessing from ocean waves represents a challenge because the wave energy converter must be designed to show great survivability and efficiency. The power production challenge of any wave energy converter depends on the efficiency of the power take-off system. The direct mechanical drive power take-off system is one of the most efficient, the gearbox represents a necessary component in this power take-off system to increase the power generation. This study aims to address the analysis of power performance of a new wave energy converter composed of a point absorber, a hinged arm, and a direct mechanical drive power take-off system. The power take-off is characterized by a pulley system, one-way bearings, a gearbox, a flywheel, and an electric generator, in the present study it is considered a cylindrical point absorber. A wave-to-wire model is developed to simulate the coupled hydro-electro-mechanical system in regular waves. The study shows that the gear ratio is a parameter that greatly influences power generation. The mean power of the wave energy converter is high at low values of wave period and at high values of wave height.