Circuit Modeling of the Mechanical-Motion Rectifier for Electrical Simulation of Ocean Wave Power Takeoff

Abstract

As is the case with several other mechanical power takeoffs (PTOs), the mechanical-motion-rectifier-based PTO consists of components, such as one-way clutches, gears, a ball screw, mechanical couplings, and a generator. Equivalent circuit models have been created in this article to describe the dry frictions, viscous damping, and mechanical compliances in these components, so the nonideal efficiency and nonlinear force of the PTO can be predicted in electrical simulations by integrating these subcircuit models. The circuit model is simplified, and its parameters are categorized as dc and ac unknowns. The dc and ac tests on the PTO are performed sequentially to extract two sets of parameters through linear regression or nonlinear curve fitting. Then, the model is validated through its prediction capability over 25 test conditions on input forces, output voltages, and efficiencies, with correlation coefficients of 0.9, 0.98, and 0.981, respectively.