Effect of a conical wave collector as a wave-to-energy converter in an oscillating water column on energy efficiency

Today, when fossil fuels tend to run out, new searches continue to meet the energy needs of the world. One of these new pursuits is wave energy. In this thesis, an Oscillating Water Column type wave energy system with a new geometric form, which has not been included in the literature before, has been investigated. With the special energy conversion systems to be placed in front of the waves that carry the energy they gain to the shores, a part of the wave energy can be first converted into mechanical and then electrical energy. In systems characterized as active systems in energy generation, one or more elements of the device move with the wave force and mechanical energy are produced. The basic principle in an oscillating water column is based on trapping air in a closed volume above the water level. Since the top of the column is open to the atmosphere, the air in the shrinking column in case of, wave crest is compressed and taken into the column due to the low pressure formed in the wave trough while it is pressed out. To reduce energy loss, a Wells turbine that can rotate in one direction against the air currents that will occur in two opposite directions will be used. The new method here is to design the structure of the area where the air is trapped in a conical shape and to send a stronger air pressure to the turbine by increasing the pressure of the air going to the turbine. Thus, it is aimed to increase the amount of electricity to be produced. Keywords: Oscillating Water Column, Wells Turbine, Sea Wave Energy Generation, Sea Wave Electricity Generation, Wave Power, Wave Amplitude, Conical Utility Mod