Abstract
The WITT (see http://www.witt-energy.com/) is a mechanical device for converting motion into electrical energy. It is comprised of a heavy compound pendulum connected through a gearbox in such a way that its rotary motion about either of two perpendicular horizontal axes is transferred to a single unidirectional output from which the energy of motion can subsequently be harvested.
This paper outlines some of the work being carried out at Bristol University in developing a mathematical model which can be used to assess the feasibility of using a WITT housed within a sealed hull in the ocean to convert ocean wave energy into electrical energy. The idea of using a mechanical device with counterweights inside a sealed hull to absorb wave energy is not new, for example the SEAREV (see, Cordonnier et al. (2015)) and the Wello (see, http://www.wello.eu/en/) use a similar principle.
The analysis that follows is novel, but similarities can be seen with a previous study of a fully submerged, horizontal cylindrical wave energy converter (WEC) constrained to move in pitch and surge with an internal pendulum (assumed to operate in a similar manner to the WITT), previously studied in Crowley, Porter & Evans (2013).
This paper outlines some of the work being carried out at Bristol University in developing a mathematical model which can be used to assess the feasibility of using a WITT housed within a sealed hull in the ocean to convert ocean wave energy into electrical energy. The idea of using a mechanical device with counterweights inside a sealed hull to absorb wave energy is not new, for example the SEAREV (see, Cordonnier et al. (2015)) and the Wello (see, http://www.wello.eu/en/) use a similar principle.
The analysis that follows is novel, but similarities can be seen with a previous study of a fully submerged, horizontal cylindrical wave energy converter (WEC) constrained to move in pitch and surge with an internal pendulum (assumed to operate in a similar manner to the WITT), previously studied in Crowley, Porter & Evans (2013).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 31st International Workshop on Water Waves and Floating Bodies |
| Editors | Robert F Beck, Kevin J Maki |
| Publisher | International Workshop on Water Waves and Floating Bodies (IWWWFB) |
| Pages | 29-32 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781607853817 |
| Publication status | Published - 16 Mar 2016 |
| Event | 31st International Workshop on Water Waves and Floating Bodies - Plymouth, MI, United States Duration: 3 Apr 2016 → 6 Apr 2016 |
Conference
| Conference | 31st International Workshop on Water Waves and Floating Bodies |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| City | Plymouth, MI |
| Period | 3/04/16 → 6/04/16 |
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Cite this
Crowley, S. H., & Porter, R. (2016). Mathematical modelling of the WITT wave energy converter. In R. F. Beck, & K. J. Maki (Eds.), Proceedings of the 31st International Workshop on Water Waves and Floating Bodies (pp. 29-32). International Workshop on Water Waves and Floating Bodies (IWWWFB). http://name-popilia.engin.umich.edu/index.php/accepted-abstracts/