ABSTRACT
The article aims to select a Power Take-Off (PTO) system for a fixed Oscillating Water Column (OWC) based wave energy converter installed in low energy areas. Specifically, the study considers a breakwater embodying U-type OWC caissons that is planned to be constructed in Roccella Jonica, Mediterranean Sea, Italy. The site is characterized by a wave climate in which prevalent small waves and less frequent big waves occur. Several solutions were tested and compared assuming a PTO installed on a single or connected air chambers, with and without a system of relief valves. The objective is to keep the rotational speed of the Wells turbine within an admissible operative range allowing the extraction of energy even during sea storms. The turbine rotor diameter and the generator rated power were properly selected. Finally, a control law for the generator was devised to maximize the performance of the plant.
