Renewable Energies

Introduction

Research objectives of the laboratory are divided into two parts: sea waves energy and wind energy. In the sea waves energy section, research, design and construction of equipment for converting the sea wave energy into electricity is considered. In wind energy section, researchers deals with vertical axis wind turbine and floating wind turbine. In this regard, numerical simulation is applied to predict and investigate fluid and structural interaction. Also, the numerical optimization process is used optimization of floating structures.

Regarding the projects carried out, all activities of this research group are described in detail in the project section. Here, further details on the generalities and categorization of the wave energy converters, tidal turbines, small water turbines, vertical wind turbines, as well as floating wind turbines in the sea are presented.

Wave Energy Converters

Wave energy converters are referred to as marine systems that are capable of generating electricity through the use of energy from sea waves. In recent decades, many countries have invested heavily in designing and manufacturing various types of these systems. Power generation systems are divided into four general categories based on their appearance, structure, location (near the beach or in the middle of the sea), their arrangements against waves, and so on.Wave energy converters are referred to as marine systems that are capable of generating electricity through the use of energy from sea waves. In recent decades, many countries have invested heavily in designing and manufacturing various types of these systems. Power generation systems are divided into four general categories based on their appearance, structure, location (near the beach or in the middle of the sea), their arrangements against waves, and so on.

Tidal Turbines

Marine currents carry high amounts of kinetic energy. These currents may be due to tidal currents or sustained ocean currents. Extraction energy from these type of currents is similar to wind energy harnessing. Therefore it has been done by a turbo machine which is similar to wind turbine. Of course, due to the much higher density of water than air, this energy is about 1000 times higher in the same flow speed. It can be installed in areas with high tidal velocities or in areas where stable ocean currents have acceptable speed. Tidal turbines are divided into six main categories in most studies, including the following:

Small Water Turbines

Given the increasing demand for electricity in Iran, the need to develop the electricity generation sectors has become increasingly urgent. However, for the construction of new thermal power plants, huge investments are needed; considering the possibility of developing and increasing the efficiency of existing power plants, the attraction of capital for the construction of large new power plants is not justified. But other ways such as small-scale electricity generation can be turned up for areas where it is poised. To do this, we can use micro-power plants that generate a small amount of power from micro-turbines. These micro-turbines can be exploited for various uses in fisheries, river paths, water supply channels and water pressure reducing station. In the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Guilan, there are many rivers that can be used to produce water for low-power generation and reduce related costs.