Simulating wave energy converter with twin generator torque converter in COMSOL

Sammanfattning: Uppsala University has been spending a lot of time and resources in developing wave energy converters. In the test site of Lysekil, a full-scale point absorbing buoy with its associated components have been tested. From the test, various new information were discovered. To improve energy generation from wave motion, new ideas and machineries need to be developed. The linear generator deployed with the point absorbing buoy needs a better power absorbing torque converter. Therefore, this master thesis focuses on a novel twin generator torque converter that will convert the mechanical motions of the buoy in a wave climate to electrical power to a load. The prototype design needs to be validated by simulation before a physical model can be built. By using COMSOL Multiphysics® software, a regular wave is simulated by linear potential flow theory. The forces a buoy will experience in a wave climate are calculated and then used to rotate the prototype generator. The prototype generator is also simulated in COMSOL using the ‘Rotating Machineries’ physics. Power extracted from the generator is then observed and discussed.