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Experimental Uncertainty Analysis of an OWC Wave Energy Converter
conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 12:22 authored by Orphin, J, Jean-Roch NaderJean-Roch Nader, Irene PenesisIrene Penesis, Damon HoweDamon HoweThis paper presents a practical example of an uncertainty analysis applied to the results of an oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter (WEC) model test experiment in regular waves. The 1:20 scale OWC device equipped with a porous mesh power take-off (PTO) system was integrated into a fully reflective breakwater and installed in the Australian Maritime College Model Test Basin. Using phaseaveraging as a data analysis technique, device performance in terms of capture width was determined across the frequency range tested, using probe data of the incident wave elevations, and the resulting wave elevations and pressure inside the OWC chamber. This paper is devoted to evaluating the uncertainty of this data. Type A uncertainty (statistical means via repeat observations) was determined through a series of repeat observations, whereas Type B uncertainty (non-statistical means) was determined using sensor calibration data and through regression analysis. Total uncertainty results include < ± 2% for all wave probe data, < ± 11 % for pressure, ± 22% for damping, producing a total uncertainty of ± 30% for the mean power of the device. This large uncertainty in power is because the calculation is a function of damping and pressure that both eventuated to relatively large uncertainty. This study highlights the importance of presenting experimental results with a description of the uncertainties involved.
History
Publication title
Proceedings of the 12th European Wave and Tidal Energy ConferenceEditors
EWTECPagination
1096.1-1096.10ISSN
2309-1983Department/School
Australian Maritime CollegePublisher
University of SouthamptonPlace of publication
United KingdomEvent title
12th European Wave and Tidal Energy ConferenceEvent Venue
Cork, IrelandDate of Event (Start Date)
2017-08-27Date of Event (End Date)
2017-09-01Rights statement
Copyright 2017 European Wave and Tidal Energy ConferenceRepository Status
- Restricted