Small Underwater Research Flap Wave Energy Converter 360 Virtual Tour (Text Version)

Small Underwater Research Flap Wave Energy Converter 360 Virtual Tour (Text Version)

This is the text version of the Small Underwater Research Flap Wave Energy Converter (SURF-WEC) 360 virtual tour.

Researchers inside a lab build and construct marine energy devices next to the SURF-WEC device. An inside look inside the device shows pipes that exit a metal box on either side to point to shore and to hydraulic cylinders. Inside the box, a high- and low-pressure hydraulic line is on the side of an active valving solenoid connected to two valve system selectors above and below the solenoid. Next to that is the data acquisition component.

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	Passive Valving System Check Valve The passive system acts like a rectifying circuit, using four check valves, so as the flap moves back and forth, oil is pulled from the reservoir and pumped into the accumulator, building pressure until it is released to be converted from hydraulic energy into electricity.
	Acting Valving System Solenoid Valve The active valving system, composed of two solenoid valves, allows NLR researchers to control the hydraulic pressure applied to the flap. With four discrete pressure settings, the device is able to add energy to the flaps motion when needed. This active control capability theoretically helps the flap respond more efficiently to changing wave conditions and improves power output.

Hotspot Photo

Hotspot Description

Two passive valving system check valves inside the SURF-WEC marine energy device.

Passive Valving System Check Valve
The passive system acts like a rectifying circuit, using four check valves, so as the flap moves back and forth, oil is pulled from the reservoir and pumped into the accumulator, building pressure until it is released to be converted from hydraulic energy into electricity.

An active valving system solenoid valve inside the SURF-WEC marine energy device.

Acting Valving System Solenoid Valve
The active valving system, composed of two solenoid valves, allows NLR researchers to control the hydraulic pressure applied to the flap. With four discrete pressure settings, the device is able to add energy to the flaps motion when needed. This active control capability theoretically helps the flap respond more efficiently to changing wave conditions and improves power output.