Marianna Giassi

Dynamic model, parameter extraction, and analysis of two topologies of a tubular linear generator for seawave energy production

This paper presents a comparison among two types of linear generators for wave energy conversion: an inner-permanent-magnet-slotted-tubular-linear-generator (IPM-STLG) and an outer-permanent-magnet-slotless-tubular-linear-generator (OPM-STLG). The magnetic and electric quantities are extracted and evaluated using Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) software and Matlab. These quantities include magnetic flux, cogging forces and end effects, inductances, currents, e.m.f., and power. In addition, a comparison of the two topologies and the different parameters has been performed. The aim of this work is to show a methodology to design Tubular linear generators for Sea Wave energy production, together with a comparison among different architectures.

Analysis of interaction of point absorbers' arrays for seawave electrical energy generation in italian seas

This work focuses on interactions between wave energy converters (WEC) in array configuration. The arrays are simulated in the time domain by a coupled hydrodynamic-electromagnetic model. The hydrodynamic parameters of the model are estimated by boundary element code while the electrical ones are obtained by finite element code. Wave parks of two and four devices are simulated considering different layouts. The ultimate goal of the work is to identify the optimal array design at four Italian locations. The results show that: (i) * it is possible to find an array configuration which performs better than four isolated devices, at each study sites, (ii) the highest energy production is obtained with the linear layout at all the locations, (ii) optimum WEC distance varies between ten and twenty diameters, depending on the deployment site and (iv) the difference in energy production between the best and worst array configuration (i.e. over all the possible combinations of geometrical layout, spatial orientation and WEC distance) ranges from 3% to 7%, depending on the deployment site..

Spatial interactions among oscillating wave energy converters: Electricity production and power quality issues

Point absorbers, i.e. wave energy converters (WECs) whose characteristic dimensions are small with respect to the typical wavelength, are designed to be installed in arrays, in order to get a cost-effective power generation. Starting from a coupled hydrodynamic - electromagnetic model of a heaving point absorber, this paper presents an in-depth analysis of the hydrodynamic interactions among devices in array. The final goal is to find out the configurations of a four WEC array, which maximize the energy absorption and the quality of the power output. At this aim, different topological layouts, distances among converters and incident wave directions are investigated. The results highlight that a proper design of the wave farms allows to significantly reduce power fluctuations without negative side effects on electricity production.