Analytical studies on optimal shape of a two-dimensional oscillating water column.
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abstract
Evans has proposed a theory through which it is possible to estimate the peak efficiency of an Oscillating Water Column by calculating the no-load flow rates for forward and reverse waves. Vepa et.al. have used a diffraction programme to estimate the efficiency of an oscillating water column using the above method. Experimental studies were carried out to verify the theoretical predictions of Vepa et.al. The results indicate a close correlation with the theoretical predictions with regard to the position of the peak efficiency. Systematic investigations using the theoretical model were carried out to evolve an optimal shape of the Oscillating Water Column. It was found that an increase in the front wall thickness tends to decrease the efficiency of the device in the operating range of frequencies. A comparative study of the relative performance of two different front wall geometries, a concave entry and a convex entry were carried out. The results indicate marked changes in the bandwidth pattern of the device performance with different shapes of the front wall entry. Shaping the device in such a way as to follow the streamline pattern of the wave, has indicated a drastic improvement in the performance of the device. (A)