Scaled Prototyping of an Onshore Oscillating-Arm Wave Energy Converter

The paper presents the development of the scaled prototype of an oscillating-arm Wave Energy Converter (WEC), for onshore installation, suitable to be placed above breakwaters. The mechanical architecture is based on a four-bar linkage moved by a floating buoy with alternate heave motion. The mechanical energy is transferred to the electrical rotary generator with the interposition of a mechanical rectifier, to obtain unidirectional motion at higher speed. Since the power take-off system is fully electromechanical, without pneumatic or hydraulic components, the proposed WEC is characterized by high efficiency and reliability. The functional design of the proposed WEC and its control layout are summarized. Finally, the methodology for designing the 1:15 scale model, destined for the preliminary experimental validation, is discussed, and the embodiment design of the model is outlined.