Array modeling and testing of fixed OWC type Wave Energy Converters

Abstract

If wave energy technology is to mature to commercial success, array optimization could play a key role in that process. This paper outlines physical and numerical modeling of an array of five oscillating water column wave energy converters. Numerical model simulations are compared with experimental tank test data for a non-optimal and optimal array layout. Results show a max increase of 12% in average power for regular waves, and 7% for irregular waves between the non-optimized and optimized layouts. The numerical model matches well under many conditions; however, improvement is needed to adjust for phase errors. This paper outlines the process of numerical and physical array testing, providing methodology and results helpful for researchers and developers working with wave energy converter arrays.

Modelling and Optimisation of Wave Energy Converters

“…In recent works by [800,798,799] and [62], wave propagation models have been coupled to BEM software, in the latter case to study the wave-structure interaction in a wave farm consisting of two clusters, or subgroups. Examples of wave farm studies based on BEM for resolving hydrodynamic interactions can be found in [559,719,755,680,62,80,470].…”

“…Results from the numerical software WEC-Sim were compared with experimental data from five pitching WaveStar WECs in a staggered layout in [491]. An array of five OWCs was studied in the time domain by [80] using the open-source software WEC-Sim, and the same software was used by [491] to study an array of five pitching WaveStar devices in the time-domain. Similarly, WEC-Sim was coupled to NEMOH and used to study a 5-WEC array by [61].…”

“…Five 1:20 scale OWCs integrated with a breakwater structure were investigated experimentally in a shallow water basin by [382], and it was found that under certain conditions, the array performed better than five isolated devices. Similarly, five fixed OWCs were studied with two different array layouts in [80], and it was found that the power in the optimal layout was 12% larger than in the sub-optimal layout. However, when considering the average power, only a modest increase could be established.…”

Ocean Wave Energy Converters Optimization: A Comprehensive Review on Research Directions

“…In the study of Bosma [121], who outlined numerical and physical array testing, optimized and non-optimized layouts with 5 OWCs were considered. The results showed that when the layout is optimized, the average power in regular and irregular waves increased by 12% and 7%, respectively.…”

Comparison of Wave Energy Park Layouts by Experimental and Numerical Methods

“…da Fonseca et al [3] studied a triangular array of three spar-buoy WECs in scale 1:32, and it was observed that the interaction factor was larger than 1 in wave climates with large energy periods. Five fixed OWCs deployed in two different layouts (chosen based on earlier layout optimization) were studied experimentally and numerically by Bosma et al [7], both in regular and irregular waves: a maximal power increase of 12% was found between the non-optimal and the optimal layout. In Mackay et al [8], an array consisting of four Wavebob models at scale 1:19 was studied experimentally and compared to a numerical time-domain model.…”