Comparative evaluation of floating OWC and BBDB wave energy converters by regular and irregular waves using numerical approach

ABSTRACT

Point absorber wave energy converters (WECs) need to be predicted in order to estimate their durability in high sea states. Although little is known about hydrodynamics and there are few data available. Models of the wave conditions have been developed at the laboratory size using smooth particle hydrodynamics. To investigate how focused waves interact with a point absorber WEC, fixed OWC and BBDB type WEC are coupled. A validation research is evaluated by taking into account the wave amplitude and frequency. The hydrodynamic force and the motion response of the point absorber WEC have been measured throughout time. According to the numerical results, the hybrid configuration with the fixed OWC and BBDB has a significant impact on the motion response and hydrodynamic force. It is demonstrated that the position of hybrid OWCs affects the hydrodynamic force and intense motion response significantly.

KEYWORDS:

• Oscillating water column
• backward bent duct buoy
• performance
• smooth particle hydrodynamics
• regular wave
• irregular wave

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All the data in this study are obtained using DualSPHsysics and OpenFOAM softwares. The data will be made available via correspondence as per the request by an email.

Declaration of competing interest

The author declares there are no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this study.