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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/CycWEC
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CycWEC
A Cycloidal Wave Energy Converter (CycWEC) is the adaptation of a Cycloidal Propeller to a different purpose, which is to extract energy from ocean waves. To convert waves into useful electrical energy, the CycWEC must synchronize with ocean waves, perfectly cancelling the wave by producing an anti-wave 180 degrees out of phase. In doing so, the CycWEC extracts the ocean energy to drive a shaft on a generator, converting the Wave into electrical power. The CycWEC operates fully submerged in the ocean. For deep ocean waves the optimal CycWEC position is oriented such that the main shaft and hydrofoils are perpendicular to the incoming wave and parallel with the ocean surface. The hydrofoils are controlled by hydraulic actuation to adjust the blade pitch throughout a revolution of the main shaft. In order to be useful as a wave energy converter, a Cycloidal WEC is synchronized to the phase of the incoming wave from which energy is to be extracted. This is achieved by an array of upwave surface elavation senors. Algorithms to esimtate wave directionality as well as instantaneous phase and amplitude of the incoming wave are utilized to control both the main shaft power take off as well as the pitch of the wave energy converter blades. When this system is properly tuned, by accurate synchronization and pitch scheduling, an incoming unidirectional, irregular wave can be entirely terminated, where more than 99% of the wave energy is extracted.
Additional Information
Device Status
Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?
Inactive
Technology Type
Power Take-Off
Mechanism that converts the motion of the prime mover into a useful form of energy such as electricity, learn more
Direct Drive Generator
Max Rated Power Capacity
The maximum amount of electricity that can be produced by the device, as rated by the manufacturer.
5000 KW
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 21 April 2022
4
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
26 July 2022
Citation Formats
“CycWEC.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/CycWEC. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "CycWEC." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/CycWEC.
