Hydrodynamic interactions and enhanced energy harnessing amongst many WEC units in large-size wave parks
Journal article, 2024

Interactions between wave energy converters (WECs) can significantly affect the overall energy-harnessing performance of a wave park. Although large-size wave parks with many WEC units are commonly considered in practical applications, it is challenging to simulate such parks due to huge computational costs. This paper presents a numerical model that uses the boundary element method (BEM) to simulate wave parks. Each wave energy converter (WEC) was modelled as a comprehensive system, including WEC buoys, power take-off, and mooring systems, with hydrodynamic interactions included. Two classical layouts for arranging 16 units were simulated using this numerical model. The energy-harnessing performance of these array layouts was analyzed for both regular waves and a selection of irregular sea state conditions with different wave directions, wave heights, wave periods and water depths. For each layout, three WEC separation distances were studied. An increase of up to 16% in the power performance of the WEC under regular waves was observed, which highlights the importance of interaction effects.

wave park

hydrodynamic interaction effects

renewable energy

wave energy

Author

Xinyuan Shao

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Jonas Ringsberg

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Huadong Yao

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Uday Rajdeep Sakleshpur Lokesh Gowda

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Hrishikesh Nitin Khedkar

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Jørgen Hals Todalshaug

Corpower Ocean AB

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

20771312 (eISSN)

Vol. 12 5 730

Control of wave energy converters based on wave measurements, for optimal energy absorption (WAVEMEASURE)

Swedish Energy Agency (50197-1), 2020-09-01 -- 2023-03-31.

Strategic research project on Chalmers on hydro- and aerodynamics

The Chalmers University Foundation, 2019-01-01 -- 2023-12-31.

INTERACT - The interaction of metals and biocides with the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Formas (2012-8), 2013-01-01 -- 2017-12-31.

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Areas of Advance

Transport

Energy

Subject Categories

Energy Engineering

Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics

Marine Engineering

Roots

Basic sciences

DOI

10.3390/jmse12050730

More information

Latest update

6/13/2024