| dc.description.abstract | Oscillating Water Column (OWC) is a type of
Wave Energy Converter (WEC) that transforms the energy
of ocean waves into low-pressure pneumatic power.
Subsequently, this pneumatic power is taken out by a turbine
and converted to electric energy through a generator. The
Sri Lankan wave energy resources were assessed and
revealed that the 12-15 kW/m average wave power can be
generated annually and is appropriate to establish large scale, offshore wave energy converters. The wave climate
off the South-East coast of Sri Lanka has been encompassed
with two different wave types such as long period swell
waves and locally wind propagated short period waves due
to monsoons. Therefore, Hambanthota Harbor is selected
as a research study area and the most appropriate place to
fix a breakwater-type OWC. As per the annual and seasonal
wave climate of the South-East coast of Sri Lanka, this
research focuses on extreme wave occurrences in July and
August. In this investigation, firstly a directional, roll, and
pitch 'Wave Rider Bouy' was placed inside the Hambanthota
Harbour to collect wave climate data from July to August
2019. Then, the same 'Wave Rider Bouy' was placed 4 NM
away outside the harbour and obtained wave
measurements. Finally, an analytical study was conducted
and revealed that swell wave height and significant wave
height were sufficient to generate wave power and feasible
to set up a breakwater type OWC ocean wave energy
converter at Hambanthota Harbour. Recommends to carry
out another study to collect swell wave and significant wave
data for the next three years, to confirm the sustainability of
this project. | en_US |
