A Comparative Study of Two Capture Chamber Geometries

by Michael E. McCormick, US Naval Acad, Annapolis, MD, USA,
Allan G. Altera, US Naval Acad, Annapolis, MD, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Engineering 1986

Abstract:

Results of an experimental study of two capture chambers are presented. The capture chamber geometries are those that have been either used or recommended in conjunction with pneumatic wave energy conversion. The respective waterplanes of the chambers are square and circular, and the areas of each are equal. The pressure of the entrapped air above the internal water surface is measured for a series of wave frequencies and heights. The pressure values are then used to determine the potential energy of the compressed air. For each of three inlet areas of the chambers, the square waterplane chamber is shown to be a more effective energy storer. The reason for this is that the circular chamber is a better radiator. The peak energy storage efficiency of the square chamber is approximately 60%, while that of the circular chamber is 20%. Inlet losses due to the non-streamlined inlet sides are small and, therefore, not responsible for the low efficiency values.

Subject Headings: Comparative studies | Pneumatic systems | Water waves | Inlets (waterway) | Geometrics | Renewable energy | Energy storage

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search