A proposal of wave power generation system of new OWC-Type

This paper proposes the wave power generation system of new OWC (Oscillating Water Column) type. The weaknesses of the previous OWC system are the high-cost structure due to a massive air chamber required to withstand the high pressure, and low efficiency of the special turbine which converts bidirectional airflow into unidirectional rotation of the shaft. In this paper, the new system consisting of a unidirectional turbine and a ratchet mechanism is devised. When the water level is rising the turbine does not work i.e. it rotates freely, which has an advantage that high pressure does not occur inside an air chamber

wave energy

OWC system

chamber

high efficiency

ratchet mechanism

unidirectional turbine