Simulation of the wave evolution and power capture of an oscillating wave surge converter

Abstract

For oscillating wave surge converters (OWSC) the incident wave field is changed due to the movement of the flap structure. A key component influencing this motion response is the Power Take-Off (PTO) system used. This paper examines the relationship between incident waves and the perturbed fluid field near the flap using the Computational Fluid Dynamics method by using Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations. Further, it investigates the influence of a PTO system in the energy extracted from regular waves. Whilst this wave evolution is not significant in the effective power captured by a unit device, it is of great importance when performing in arrays as neighbouring devices may influence each other

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