Performance evaluation of a new wave energy conversion system (WECS) for low wave height at the East Coast of Malaysia shoreline

Abstract

Wave power is form of alternative energy which harnesses the power of the ocean's waves and can be used to generate electricity. The machinery that able to exploit wave power is generally known as a wave energy conversion system (WECS). This WECS was comprised of two joined vessels, mechanical racks, pinion gears, driver pulleys, belts, generator pulleys, electric generators and anchors. When the floaters are experience the oscillatory motion, the vertical oscillatory movements of floaters will move the mechanicals racks, pinions gears and driver pulleys. The driver pulley is connected to generator pulleys via belts and automatically rotate the electric generators which are finally generate electricity. The vessels are provided with piping and ballast tank to adjust the buoyancy of the vessel. The location of the device could be adapted either shoreline or near shore by moving the anchors. Hence, the device can harvest the wave energy regardless of various wave height levels. The average significant wave height during a week experimentation is 1.57 m which is generated 127.51 W of power with the total average rotation speed of generator is 242.75 rpm. The experiment results in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu