Title: On/off multi-poppet valve for switching manifold in discrete fluid power force system PTO in wave energy converters

Authors: Anders Hedegaard Hansen; Henrik C. Pedersen; Torben O. Andersen

Addresses: Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 101, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark ' Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 101, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark ' Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 101, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark

Abstract: Fluid power systems are the leading technology for power take off systems in ocean wave energy converters. However, fluid power systems often suffer from poor efficiency, especially in part loads. This degrades the PTO system efficiency and therefore lowers the energy production. To overcome the issues with poor system efficiency, a discrete fluid power system is proposed as a main part of the PTO system. For the discrete system to be feasible large fluid power switching valves are needed. The current paper presents a two stage 1,000 L/min@5 bar multi-poppet on-off valve with a switching time less than 10 ms. The pilot stage is directly actuated and utilises internal valve pressure as supply and an external tank connection as drain. The current paper presents the multi-disciplinary design process leading to the final valve design. This includes the geometric design of the main stage, the choice of pilot valve, structural mechanical issues and modelling and simulation of various valve configurations. Hence, a mechatronic design process is utilised to choose the best valve configuration.

Keywords: on-off valves; switching valves; discrete force system; wave energy converters; multi-edge valves; multi-poppet valves; mechatronic design; fluid power systems; wave power; valve design; geometric design; structural mechanics; modelling; simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMA.2014.062334

International Journal of Mechatronics and Automation, 2014 Vol.4 No.2, pp.84 - 92

Received: 27 Sep 2013
Accepted: 04 Dec 2013
Published online: 17 Jun 2014 *

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