Experimental studies on the flow characteristics in an inclined bend-free OWC device

Ram, Krishnil R. and Ahmed, Mohammed R. and Zullah, M.A. and Lee, Y.H. (2016) Experimental studies on the flow characteristics in an inclined bend-free OWC device. Journal of Ocean Engineering and Science, 1 (1). pp. 77-83. ISSN 2468-0133

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (2MB)

Abstract

A bend-free rectangular cross-section OWC device was designed and constructed for studying the effect of inclination on the flow characteristics inside the device. The inclination is meant to reduce reflection of waves and induce higher velocities in the turbine section. Experimental measurements were made in a wave channel where the OWC device was tested. An S-type Pitot tube was used to measure dynamic pressure of air in the turbine section at several inclinations. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was also done to study the flow of both air and water in the OWC device. In order to focus solely on primary energy capture, no turbine was installed in the OWC device. The dynamic pressure readings were analysed for suction and compression stages. Water volume fluctuations inside the capture chamber were also recorded and compared for different inclinations. The result was an increase in the velocity of air flowing in the capture chamber and hence a rise in the kinetic energy available to the turbine. It was found from experimental studies that as the angle of inclination reduced, the velocity of air in the turbine section increased. The lower angles also caused higher run-up and larger volume of water into the capture chamber.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Oscillating water column; Particle Image Velocimetry; Wave energy.
Subjects:	T Technology > TC Hydraulic engineering. Ocean engineering
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Engineering and Physics
Depositing User:	M. Rafiuddin Ahmed
Date Deposited:	27 Apr 2016 00:35
Last Modified:	27 Apr 2016 00:35
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/8822

UNSPECIFIED

Actions (login required)

View Item