Performance Improvement of a Magnus Effect-Based Turbine Generator for a Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter

To harness ocean wave energy, which has the advantages of high energy density and predictable fluctuations compared to many renewable energies, various concepts of wave energy converter (WEC) proposed and studied. A point absorber WEC with a Magnus turbine generator has been proposed. The turbine driven by lift due to the Magnus effect, and the WEC has the potential to operate under extreme wave conditions. A simulation model of the WEC has been developed, and theoretical studies have shown that the output per weight of the system will be the same or higher than other WECs. The point absorber WEC is able to absorb wave energy greater than its body size by resonating with waves. As one of the feasibility studies of the WEC, in this study, the performance of the Magnus turbine generator, which is the main component of the system, is investigated and improved both theoretically and experimentally.