Optimising a Wells-turbine-type wave energy system

This paper is concerned with the wave power installation located on the Island of Islay, which lies off the western coast of Scotland. A system simulation has been conducted and validated by a comparison between predicted results and measured data. In order both to reduce power ripple content and improve efficiency, an optimisation study has been performed and optimum parameters are suggested. The results demonstrate that an overall optimum for system performance results from a combination of system components which are not individually optimised.