Wave-Cavity Resonator: Experimental Investigation of an Alternative Energy Device
Date
2015-12-21
Authors
Reaume, Jonathan Daniel
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Abstract
A wave cavity resonator (WCR) is investigated to determine the suitability of the
device as an energy harvester in rivers or tidal flows. The WCR consists of coupling
between self-excited oscillations of turbulent flow of water in an open channel along the
opening of a rectangular cavity and the standing gravity wave in the cavity. The device
was investigated experimentally for a range of inflow velocities, cavity opening lengths,
and characteristic depths of the water. Determining appropriate models and empirical
relations for the system over a range of depths allows for accuracy when designing
prototypes and tools for determining the suitability of a particular river or tidal flow as a
potential WCR site. The performance of the system when coupled with a wave
absorber/generator is also evaluated for a range piston strokes in reference to cavity wave
height. Video recording of the oscillating free-surface inside the resonator cavity in
conjunction with free-surface elevation measurements using a capacitive wave gauge
provides representation of the resonant wave modes of the cavity as well as the degree of
the flow-wave coupling in terms of the amplitude and the quality factor of the associated
spectral peak. Moreover, application of digital particle image velocimetry (PIV) provides
insight into the evolution of the vortical structures that form across the cavity opening.
Coherent oscillations were attainable for a wide range of water depths. Variation of the
water depth affected the degree of coupling between the shear layer oscillations and the
gravity wave as well as the three-dimensionality of the flow structure. In terms of the
power investigation, conducted with the addition of a load cell and linear table-driven
piston, the device is likely limited to running low power instrumentation unless it can be
up-scaled. Up-scaling of the system, while requiring additional design considerations, is
not unreasonable; large-scale systems of resonant water waves and the generation of large
scale vortical structures due to tidal or river flows are even observed naturally.
Description
Keywords
Flow-induced vibration, Flow-induced resonance, resonant coupling, shear layer oscillations, free surface wave, standing gravity wave, Wave-cavity resonator, WCR, lock-on, large-scale vortical structure, free shear layer, Alternative energy device, design of alternative energy device, shallow flows, intermediate water wave, deep water wave, wave absorber