Harnessing Ocean Wave Energy: The Crest Wing Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

This report presents the results of an experimental study of the wave energy converting abilities of the Crest Wing wave energy converter (WEC). The Crest Wing is a WEC that uses its movement in matching the shape of an oncoming wave to generate power. Model tests have been performed using a scale model (length scale 1:30) in regular and irregular wave states that can be found in Assessment of Wave Energy Devices. Best Practice as used in Denmark (Frigaard et aI., 2008). The tests were carried out at the Department of Civil Engineering, Aalborg University (AAU) in the 3D deep water wave tank. The displacement and force applied to a power take off system were measured and used to calculate total power take off. The tests were performed by Jens Peter Kofoed and Mike Antonishen, AAU, in cooperation with Henning Pilgaard, WaveEnergyFyn, who was present in the laboratory during the tests. The testing took place during the period 06/17-07/21, 2008.