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Wide tank (Multi-Flap) Wavemakers
The Edinburgh Designs wide tank absorbing flap wavemakers are supplied complete with paddles, drive motors, control electronics and computer control. They operate as a bank of dryback flaps with a fabric sealing gusset. The paddles allow complete control over the waves in the tank even with reflective sides and poor quality beaches.
![Multi-flap tank](javascript:imagepop("content/images/parallel.jpg", "Multi-flap tank"))
Multi-Flap tank
![Flap arrangement](javascript:imagepop("content/images/multi.jpg", "Flap arrangement close-up"))
Close up of flap arrangement
![Five paddle detail](javascript:imagepop("content/images/5paddledetail.jpg", "Five paddle detail"))
Paddles in detail
These wave-makers (yellow) implemented at UCC, Cork, Eire, can be seen making a parallel wave above. The control boxes can be seen on the wall behind the paddles. One such box controls 10 paddles.
![A 2.85m high flap module, in dock](javascript:imagepop("content/images/2.85m high flap module in dock.jpg", ""))
A 2.85m high flap module, in dock.
![A 2.85m high flap module being lifted into the dock](javascript:imagepop("content/images/2.85m high flap module lifted into dock.jpg", ""))
A 2.85m high flap module, being lifted into the dock.
![Top view of a 2.85m high flap module](javascript:imagepop("content/images/2850mm paddle top view.jpg", ""))
Top view of a 2.85m high flap module
![The 2.85m high paddle wide tank](javascript:imagepop("content/images/2850mm paddle wide tank.jpg", ""))
The 2.85m high paddle wide tank
![A 2.85m high flap module, showing the range of movement of the flaps](javascript:imagepop("content/images/2850mm paddle motion.jpg", ""))
A 2.85m high flap module, showing the range of movement of the flaps
![The University of Edinburgh's curved wide tank](javascript:imagepop("content/images/UoE curved wide tank.jpg", ""))
The University of Edinburgh's curved wide tank
![CAD rendering of the University of Edinburgh's curved wide tank](javascript:imagepop("content/images/uoe tank front.jpg", ""))
CAD rendering of the University of Edinburgh's curved wide tank
The University of Edinburgh's curved wide tank.
Principle
![Wide tank diagram](javascript:imagepop("content/images/widedia.gif", "Wide tank diagram"))
Wide tank diagram
The system consists of a bank of flap wavemakers, consisting of wedge shaped glass fibre paddles each pivoted about a hinge on the tapered end. The flaps are dry back and sealed with a rolling fabric gusset seal so motion only makes waves in the water to the front. Each individual flap is driven by an electric servo-motor via a belt which runs over a curved sector attached to the paddle top. Springs fastened to the end of the belt offset the hydrostatic force. A force transducer senses the wavemaking forces and an encoder measures the paddle position.
Absorption
![Multi-flaps at City College, New York](javascript:imagepop("content/images/nytopview.jpg", "Multi-flaps at City College, NY"))
Top view of multiflap paddles used at City College, New York, USA.
Traditionally wavemakers work with a position feedback control system. This has the disadvantage that the swept volume of the paddle is dependant on the water level in front of the paddle. So the wave height generated is dependant on many factors including the size of an incoming wave or the quality of the beach.The Edinburgh Designs wavemaker measures the incoming wave and corrects the paddle motion to absorb it. The resultant wave field is totally predictable even with highly reflective models and a poor quality beach. The force absorption technique uses two reliable transducers well above the waterline that do not require recalibration.
Drive
Each paddle has an independent electrical servo motor and control system. The amplifier and rack containing the control electronics are housed in robust steel cabinets. All major components are easily accessible for maintenance.
Mounting
Wide tanks are unique designs so the connection between the paddles and tank are custom built. The paddles are anchored to a steel frame fixed to the tank. The most economical solution is to get part of the structure cast into the concrete wall of the tank. EDL is happy to supply drawings to have structural components fabricated locally.
Communication
All the paddles are driven by a single PC (running the OCEAN software), that uses a common multiplex drive line to send signals to all the paddles. This computer can also collect data and supervise the tank electrical power system.
