This paper presents results of numerical simulation for a wave energy converter using linear permanent magnet generator. The use of linear permanent generator has advantages of simple structure, minimizing mechanical loose. On the base of mechanics model, a system of equations describing the operation of the device under linear potential wave was obtained. The magnetic field in generator was calculated by FlexPDE software. | Volume 35 Number 2 2 Vietnam Journal of Mechanics, VAST, Vol. 35, No. 2 (2013), pp. 103 – 111 NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF A WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER USING LINEAR GENERATOR Dang The Ba University of Engineering and Technology, VNU 144 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam E-mail: badt@ Abstract. This paper presents results of numerical simulation for a wave energy converter using linear permanent magnet generator. The use of linear permanent generator has advantages of simple structure, minimizing mechanical loose. On the base of mechanics model, a system of equations describing the operation of the device under linear potential wave was obtained. The magnetic field in generator was calculated by FlexPDE software. The system of movement equations was numerically solved with Matlab. Various calculations were performed with different parameters of wave conditions and device’s structures to determine the device’s configuration for a 300 W output power for the offshore wave condition in South-Central offshore of Vietnam. The results also show potential of developing the wave energy conversion to meet the energy demand in some coastal and island regions of Vietnam. Keywords: Wave energy convertor, linear electrical generator, permanent magnet generators. 1. INTRODUCTION . Ocean wave energy In terms of fossil energy resource depletion and sustainable development, the use of renewable energy, including wave energy is inevitable. The global power potential represented by waves is estimated to be 1–15 TW [1]. Technically, the potential available in Sweden is estimated to 5–10 TWh annually which can be compared to Sweden’s total electric energy consumption during one year, 144 TWh [1]. In Vietnam, according to the latest studies, the total wave power in the coastal zone is about MW while the total electric power generation capacity of Vietnam in 2010 was MW [2, 3]. The region has great potential for wave energy in Vietnam is South-Central .
