Diseño de un sistema de aprovechamiento indirecto de la energía undimotriz.

Abstract

This project presents the design of an indirect use of wave energy to harness the potential density of 6.83 W/m from Cabo de la Vela in La Guajira, on the Colombian Caribbean coast. The system consists on a 1.86 m diameter buoy (cylindrical and hemispherical shape); an articulated arm made of a H-type beam to couple the buoy by using a welded metal sheets to support the bending loads during operation; a 200 m (estimated) Pelton turbine; and a pressure tank of 2 L/s inflow; a 211 mm diameter hydraulic cylinder with 191.4 mm stroke, 500 mm rod length and 44 mm diameter to supply the fluid required flowrate at the inlet of the pressure tank; a 5.5 Gal pressure tank able to provide the turbine flowrate (1 L/s) at 1.95 MPa of pressure for energy generation. The selected pipeline has 38.7 mm diameter and is made of galvanized steel that connects the hydraulic components. Finally, the system includes a 3.4 Gal hydro-pneumatic damper to protect the system from overpressure from the hydraulic cylinder. This design was developed to contribute positively to the environment by reducing the figures for power generation with non-renewable sources in Colombia, through the proposal of a 13000-kW wave power plant.