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The Bombora wave energy converter: A novel multi-purpose device for electricity, coastal protection and surf breaks
Citation
Ryan, S and Algie, C and MacFarlane, GJ and Fleming, AN and Penesis, I and King, A, The Bombora wave energy converter: A novel multi-purpose device for electricity, coastal protection and surf breaks, Proceedings of the 2015 Coasts and Ports Conference, 15-18 September, Auckland, New Zealand, pp. 1-6. ISBN 9781922107794 (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper]
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Official URL: http://www.coastsandports2015.com/
Abstract
New methodologies and techniques are necessary for developers of ocean wave energy converters (WEC)
to overcome barriers to the development of their technology and contribute to making them competitive. One
aspect of particular importance to WEC performance is associated with the water/energy conversion
interface. Depending on the device the interface may be either a fluid, solid or flexible element, but will
always involve a moving boundary of some type. The Australian company Bombora Wave Power (Bombora)
are developing a globally unique and innovative WEC technology that uses a large flexible membrane as the
conversion interface. Another feature of their patented concept is the ability to readily survive the worst
possible storm conditions, potentially giving the concept huge operational and cost advantages over most
existing WEC technologies.
This paper presents details on the design and operation of the Bombora concept and outlines current
research activities. This includes both physical scale model experiments and numerical techniques, including
computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the behaviour of the device as an energy generator,
provider of coastal protection and/or creator of surf breaks. Details of the proof-of-concept experimental
programs performed in the shallow water wave basin at the Australian Maritime College (AMC), University of
Tasmania are presented and discussed, including the development of a novel underwater photogrammetry
technique for quantifying the deformation of the flexible membrane. Several other complete and planned
activities to further develop this novel technology are also discussed.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | marine renewable energy, coastal protection |
| Research Division: | Engineering |
| Research Group: | Maritime engineering |
| Research Field: | Ocean engineering |
| Objective Division: | Energy |
| Objective Group: | Renewable energy |
| Objective Field: | Wave energy |
| UTAS Author: | MacFarlane, GJ (Associate Professor Gregor MacFarlane) |
| UTAS Author: | Fleming, AN (Dr Alan Fleming) |
| UTAS Author: | Penesis, I (Professor Irene Penesis) |
| ID Code: | 103155 |
| Year Published: | 2015 |
| Funding Support: | Australian Research Council (LP110200129) |
| Deposited By: | NC Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics |
| Deposited On: | 2015-09-23 |
| Last Modified: | 2016-06-08 |
| Downloads: | 10 View Download Statistics |
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