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ORE PhD Defense Designing Wave-Powered Ocean Observing: Experimental Findings

The study of oscillating water column (OWC)-type wave energy converters (WEC) has primarily focused on applications in the nearshore environment with an end use in residential power grids. This dissertation examines the power performance of a new OWC geometry relative to blue economy objectives that focus on providing power in the intermediate-water-depth environment. This geometry, which is based on the Halona Blowhole, consists of a cylindrical OWC chamber affixed above a heave plate with V-shaped channels. This dissertation assesses a new method of experimentally investigating OWC-type WECs at model scale by comparing previously used methods of orifice plate parameterization with methods that rely on a single measurement of pressure. The study discusses the implications of this method relative to a new end use for autonomous underwater vehicle docking. The power performance is evaluated through experimental testing on a fixed and floating geometry OWC. In evaluating power performance, the impact of different representative power take-off (PTO) damping values and directional dependence is investigated in regular and irregular waves. The power performance and motion response of the floating variation is discussed relative to new objectives for a blue economy application of wave energy.

Event Sponsor
Ocean and Resources Engineering, Mānoa Campus

More Information
8089567572, adminore@hawaii.edu,