Optimizing the Performance of Wave Energy Converter for Power Generation

Wave energy is an attractive renewable energy source. The energy generated from ocean is one of the most popular sources of renewable energy to be the substitute of fossil fuels and other non- renewable energy source. Water waves can generate desire amount of power density globally, which equivalent to major segment of the world’s current total energy consumption. The technology for water wave to electrical conversion requires wave energy converter (WEC), electrical generator, and signal conditioning end. This paper is focused on the selection and analysis of most suitable electrical generator which makes the overall wave energy conversion system simpler and more efficient compare to previous design. The majority of wave energy conversion systems are based on conventional rotational generators which not only require mechanical interface i.e. turbine, hydraulic pump but make complicated system, incur losses and increases maintenance.