Engineering topics

Bacelli, Giorgio (ORCID:0000000212082352)

Publications and source records attributed to Bacelli, Giorgio (ORCID:0000000212082352).

4 records

DOE OSTI2024

Analysis on Evaluations of Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s Wave Energy Converter’s Field Data Using WEC-Sim and Gazebo: A Simulation Tool Comparison

Although many studies have validated wave energy converter (WEC) numerical models against scaled prototype experimental data, there remains a notable lack of validation using data from full-scale deployed WECs. This paper compares two numerical models of Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute’s Wave Energy Converter (MBARI-WEC), a two-body point absorber with an electro-hydraulic power take-off system (PTO). The models are implemented in WEC-Sim/Simscape and Gazebo Simulator. A statistical analysis of the models was performed, and field results were obtained to compare the models’ accuracy in predicting the RMS piston velocity, RMS motor speed, and mean electric power compared to field data for 56 observations across varying sea states. The Gazebo model demonstrated a closer agreement across all three parameters for a majority of the observations. When compared to the field data, the Gazebo and WEC-Sim models exhibited average mean electric power overestimations of 13% and 22%, respectively.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

DOE OSTI2024

Bench Testing Data and Report for an Early Prototype Pitch Resonator WEC

This dataset encompasses data and documentation from bench tests conducted on an early prototype of a "pitch resonator" wave energy converter (WEC). The testing aimed to validate numerical models and reduce risks associated with the pitch resonator concept, which is designed to convert the pitching and rolling motions of a buoy into electrical power. The project's goal is to provide supplementary power, in the range of 10-100 watts, to the National Science Foundation's Ocean Observatories Initiative Pioneer Array. Two distinct testing phases are documented: one using a single degree of freedom (1DOF) test rig, and another employing a six degree of freedom (6DOF) Stewart platform, known as the Large Amplitude Motion Platform (LAMP). These tests assessed various factors, such as system performance in different motion scenarios, the torque exerted by wave forces, and the impact of mounting configurations. The dataset includes raw test data in MATLAB (.mat) format, detailed metadata, and a report describing the experimental procedures and preliminary findings.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

DOE OSTI2023

MASK4 Test Campaign for Sandia WaveBot Device

This data and report details the findings from a wave tank test focused on production of useful work of a wave energy converter (WEC) device. The experimental system and test were specifically designed to validate models for power transmission throughout the WEC system. Additionally, the validity of co-design informed changes to the power take-off (PTO) were assessed and shown to provide the expected improvements in system performance. These data describe the "MASK4" wave tank test of the Sandia WaveBot device. The WaveBot device has been tested a number of times in different permutations at the US Navy's Maneuvering and Sea Keeping (MASK) basin. Each test in this series is referred to as MASK1, MASK2, etc. The WaveBot device was first tested in one degree of freedom (heave) in 2016. This MASK1 test focused primarily on system identification and modeling. After MASK1, major modifications were performed to improve the overall real-time control and measurement system, improve the heave drive train, and add surge and pitch degrees of freedom. The second set of testing, which was broken up in to two stages: MASK2A and MASK2B, focused on bench testing and closed-loop control performance as well as nonlinear modeling. MASK3 then focused on multi-input, multi-output modeling and control for maximization of electrical power. The attached report presents the results from MASK4, which focuses on detailed modeling of the power conversion chain and validation co-design principles by way of the introduction of a magnetic spring. The test log, report, and data from the MASK4 test of the WaveBot augmented with a tunable magnetic spring. Processing codes can be found at the Github link below.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

DOE OSTI2023

Maximizing Wave Energy Converter Power Extraction by Utilizing a Variable Negative Stiffness Magnetic Spring

Complex conjugate impedance matching is a key concept for wave energy converter design. Matching the impedance of the power take-off (PTO) system to the complex conjugate of the wave energy converter's (WEC) impedance ensures efficient transfer of energy from the WEC body motion to electrical power. In low frequency waves, impedance matching often requires a negative PTO stiffness. In this paper, an adjustable stiffness magnetic torsion spring will be presented and modeled to understand its potential to improve WEC performance. The spring has the ability to provide a negative stiffness, allowing the PTO impedance to more closely match the complex conjugate of the WEC impedance at low frequencies. The spring also supports an adjustable stiffness value, meaning it can be tuned according to the incoming wave conditions. The spring's tunability may put less stress on the rest of the PTO system in wave conditions outside its normal operation zone without sacrificing electrical power output. The adjustable magnetic spring's effects are modeled and explored in this paper by examining the resultant average annual electrical power and capacity factor. The study suggests that the tunable magnetic spring has the potential to significantly improve capacity factor while maintaining a high average electrical power.

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗