Performance modeling of a wave energy converter: Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Gelombang Laut Sistem Bandulan ("PLTGL-SBâ")

In the design of a pontoon system as a floating supporting structure for a Sea Wave Energy Convertion System (Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Gelombang Laut Sistem Bandulan or simply "PLTGL-SB"), the motion of the pontoon in the sea is a very important parameter. It is needed a pontoon with good motion characteristics, so that an integrated pendulum on it can steadily move with sufficient torque. In this study a 1:10 scaled model of tripod pontoon was used as a model of the prototype that has been installed in Tanjung Bumi, Madura, East Java. This paper describe the motion characteristics of the model which has been tested in a towing tank of Indonesian Hydrodynamics Laboratory (LHI) in Surabaya. The test also for collecting the test data in well-controlled condition for calibration and validation of numerical simulations. The pontoon motion measurement method using an optical tracking device that has digitally integrated. In order to obtain the pontoon responses the test was carried out on a regular wave with two variation on period which are 5 and 10 seconds and with wave height of 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 cm. From the analysis, it was found that the tripod pontoon model has significant roll and pitch motions that suitable as a supporting structure for "PLTGL-SB".