Self-sustained all-electric wave energy converter system
ISSN: 0332-1649
Article publication date: 26 August 2014
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and function of Fred. Olsen's wave energy converter (WEC) system Lifesaver with special focus on the stand-alone electrical system that is implemented for operation without grid-connection.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper focus on the detailed design of the DC-Link system that drives the industrial 400 VAC inverters and generators for the production system. The DC-Link is stabilized by an ultra capacitor bank and has no external source or grid-connection.
Findings
The system has been tested through extensive sea trials since April 2012 and has proved its function. Some results from real sea testing are presented.
Practical implications
This paper proves the viability of the specified design and may serve as a basis for the design if similar systems in the future.
Originality/value
This paper presents a WEC system that has proven successful operation through practical tests, and is therefore regarded as a high-value paper as there is limited experience on this subject.
Keywords
Citation
Sjolte, J., Tjensvoll, G. and Molinas, M. (2014), "Self-sustained all-electric wave energy converter system", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 33 No. 5, pp. 1705-1721. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-09-2013-0306
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited