Research on the new wave energy converter equipment with high-efficiency power take-off

Power take-off (PTO) is a core unit of the wave energy converter (WEC). A novel mechanical PTO using a ball screw mechanism and a mechanical motion rectifier (MMR) to improve the energy conversion performance was introduced. PTO can convert the two-way oscillatory motion of ocean waves into one-way rotation of generators. The detailed design and working principle of the PTO were explicitly explained. The mechanical dynamics model of PTO was established. The unique motion in operation was explained. A dynamic simulation of WEC was performed in ADAMS. Results show that the significance of one-way clutch in energy conversion and the reliability of the system. And according to the unique operation mode of PTO, the system can obtain relatively stable power output.