Power estimates of an undulating membrane tidal energy converter

Results are presented in function of fluid velocity and damping adjustment. Undulation mode, frequency and forces on the structure are described. Results show that fluid velocity has a destabilizing effect on the membrane, increasing undulation frequency and lowering its amplitude, while damping has the opposite effect. Furthermore, two methods used to evaluate the power conversion are described and evaluated from trajectory and forces data analysis. Power estimation shows an evolution proportional to cubic current speed at low flow speed, as for classical tidal turbines. Power also seems to scale with the square of the product between undulation frequency and amplitude.