Analysis and dynamical modeling of a piston valve for a wave energy converter

Abstract

The Ocean Grazer, a novel wave energy converter, has been proposed by the University of Groningen. The system can collect and store multiple forms of ocean energy, with a pistontype hydraulic pump as its core technology. In this work, the dynamical behavior of a piston valve for use in the piston pump system is studied. In order to gain insight into the dynamical behavior of the piston-type hydraulic pump, a simulation model is developed to describe the movement of the piston valve and the consequent forces acting on the piston. The model accounts for rigid contacts between the valve and the piston, as well as hydrodynamic forces created by the pumped fluid.