Simulation and Optimization of a Double-Helical Rotor Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

This paper presents a new type of double-helical rotor wave energy converter (WEC), which consists of two isolated sets of helical rotor structures (inner and outer). This device can generate electricity by using the rising and falling energy of a wave. The rotors are simulated and optimized by Fluent. Each rotor’s blades are simulated and analyzed, which are separately changed in terms of helix angle, shape, and thickness. The simulation result shows that, for both inner and outer helical rotors, the energy harvesting efficiency is the highest when the blade helix angle is 45°. Triangular blades have better hydrodynamic performance than square and circular blades. The energy harvesting efficiency of 15 mm thick blades is higher than that of 75 mm thick blades.

Keywords

Sustainable energy / Wave energy / Double-helical rotor WEC / Structural optimization / Numerical simulation