Analysis of power modules in the Indian Wave Energy plant

The near shore Oscillating Water Column (OWC) based Indian wave energy plant was operated with several conceptually different power modules. These include a tapered chord Wells' turbine, a linked guide vane (LGV) impulse turbine and a fixed guide vane (FGV) impulse turbine, while using the same grid connected induction generator. The turbine efficiency is calculated for a wide range of pneumatic power on a cycle to cycle basis. The behaviour of the turbines at various flow coefficients is compared with reported steady state measurements under laboratory conditions. The cycle by cycle analysis of the turbines clearly shows the behaviour under real conditions. The overall comparison shows that among the turbines tested, the FGV is the better choice.