Research On VIV Mechanism Of Cylinder Oscillator With Damping In Tidal Current Energy Converter

As a renewable energy with high predictability and high energy density, tidal current energy has a good perspective of application. Considering relatively low flow velocities and shallow depth in most of China’s coastal areas, concept of a new type of tidal current energy converter device using artificial muscles based on vortex-induced vibration (VIV) was put forward. This converter applies VIV phenomenon to realize the kinetic energy of sea water converted into the kinetic energy of the moving parts, and then converted into electric energy by dielectric elastomeric. This paper first introduces the research of principle of VIV phenomenon, then establishing the physical model, semi-empirical mathematical model and prototype model. Basing on the finite element analysis software ADINA, the nonlinear fluid-structure interaction numerical simulation was completed. Flume experiments were done under the condition of whether has the nonlinear damping of energy unit. Finally complete the research on VIV phenomenon of cylinder oscillator of damping tidal current energy converter.This article starts with the state of the tidal current energy converter research in the world and summarizes the research of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and experimental exploration in recent decades from the domestic and foreign scholars. Then establish the simplified physical model according to the design of prototype model, and further using semi-empirical wake oscillator model to establish the mathematical model of vibration system. Next, respectively establish flow field and structure field, choose the appropriate finite element analysis method and complete the two-dimensional fluid-structure interaction numerical simulation using software called ADINA. From simulation the vibration response under different flow velocities, stiffness, cylinder diameters and different damping forms are got. At last, according to the results of numerical simulation and the settings of parameters, flume experimental was completed. Recording the maximum amplitudes, cylinder vibration frequencies under the condition of whether has the nonlinear damping of energy unit. Experimental results in turn verify the reliability of numerical simulation method.This paper studies the research on VIV phenomenon of cylinder oscillator of damping tidal current energy converter. The feasibility of the converter is verified through the integrating of theory and practice. The relationship of converter system parameters is reveal. It provides a meaningful reference and guidance of the more study and engineering applications of this new type of tidal current energy converter.