Numerical analysis of the hydrodynamic scaling effects for the Wavestar wave energy converter

This paper presents a novel 1:7 scale point absorber wave energy converter (WEC), developed by Columbia Power Technologies (COLUMBIA POWER). Four hydrodynamic modeling tools were employed in the scaled development and the optimization process of the WEC, including WAMIT, Garrad Hassan’s GH WaveFarmer, OrcaFlex and ANSYS AQWA. The numerical analysis development is discussed, and the performance and mooring estimates at 1:7 scale and full scale are evaluated and optimized. The paper includes the development of the 1:7 scale physical model and the associated WEC field testing in Puget Sound, WA.

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Numerical Analysis and Scaled High Resolution Tank Testing of a Novel Wave Energy Converter

Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering ◽

10.1115/1.4024886 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 135 (4) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Ken Rhinefrank ◽

Al Schacher ◽

Joe Prudell ◽

Joao Cruz ◽

Chad Stillinger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Numerical Analysis ◽

Wave Energy ◽

Wave Energy Converter ◽

Numerical Code ◽

Scale Model ◽

Energy Converter ◽

Modeling Tools ◽

Wave Basin ◽

Wave Research ◽

Multidirectional Wave

This paper presents a novel point absorber wave energy converter (WEC), developed by Columbia Power Technologies (COLUMBIA POWER), in addition to the related numerical analysis and scaled wave tank testing. Three hydrodynamic modeling tools are employed to evaluate the performance of the WEC, including WAMIT, GL Garrad Hassan's GH WaveDyn, and OrcaFlex. GH WaveDyn is a specialized numerical code being developed specifically for the wave energy industry. Performance and mooring estimates at full scale are evaluated and optimized, followed by the development of a 1:33 scale physical model. The physical tests of the 1:33 scale model WEC were conducted at the multidirectional wave basin of Oregon State University's O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory, in conjunction with the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC). This paper concludes with an overview of the next steps for the modeling program and future experimental test plans.

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A numerical analysis of several wave energy converter arrays deployed in the Black Sea

Ocean Engineering ◽

10.1016/j.oceaneng.2016.12.028 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 131 ◽

pp. 68-79 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

İlkay Özer Erselcan ◽

Abdi Kükner

Keyword(s):

Numerical Analysis ◽

Black Sea ◽

Wave Energy ◽

Wave Energy Converter ◽

The Black Sea ◽

Energy Converter

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Influence of Central Platform on Hydrodynamic Performance of Semi-Submerged Multi-Buoy Wave Energy Converter

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering ◽

10.3390/jmse8010012 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 12

Author(s):

Yuan Hu ◽

Shaohui Yang ◽

Hongzhou He ◽

Hu Chen

Keyword(s):

Numerical Analysis ◽

Wave Energy ◽

Wave Energy Converter ◽

Hydrodynamic Performance ◽

Theoretical Research ◽

Width Ratio ◽

Energy Converter ◽

Wave Condition ◽

Energy Capture ◽

Central Platform

The influence of the central platform on hydrodynamic performance of a wave energy converter (WEC) has remained elusive. To approach this dearth of relevant theoretical research, this paper presents a semi-submerged multi-buoy WEC and the results of the numerical analysis at different dimension parameters of the central platform of the WEC. The WEC consists of three oscillating buoys hinged with a central platform through multiple actuating arms. Numerical analysis revealed that there exists a relationship between the hydrodynamic performance of device and the geometry of the central platform. At the given wave condition, different central platform size would obviously affect the hydrodynamic performance and wave energy capture width ratio of the semi-submerged multi-buoy WEC. Additionally, appropriately increasing central platform draft would help to improve the wave energy capture capability of the oscillating buoys.

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