Seminar - Francois Flocard - Laboratory investigation of the influence of inertia modification on the power capture from pitching point absorbers
Wednesday 15 September 2010, 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Civil Engineering Lecture Theatre 1
Francois Flocard
School of Civil Engineering
University of Sydney
Abstract:
Diminishing fossil fuel reserves and concerns about global warming are stimulating the advancement of renewable energy. One as yet untapped area of renewable energy is wave energy but recent technological advancements could soon mean wave energy becomes a far more viable option. Point absorbers are currently one of the main categories of wave energy converters being developed worldwide. This talk will presents the results from an experimental study conducted in the University of Sydney’s 30 meters wave flume. The potential to optimize the power capture of different cylindrical shapes by the mean of inertia modification, which could be implemented by allowing some compartment of the device to be filled by water will be presented; as well as the influence of the extent to which the device is surface piercing on its efficiency, as this design aspect could be critical for good public acceptance of future wave energy devices.
Biography
- 2004-2007 Worked in the oil industry as a reservoir engineering.
- 2002 Master of Technology in Fluid Mechanics, Ecole Nationale des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France.
- 2001 Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering, Ecole Nationale des Arts et Métiers, Paris, France