FSI simulations and analyses of a non-resonant buoyant wave energy converter
Paper in proceeding, 2023

Deploying wave energy converters (WECs) in wave parks into the ocean requires detailed planning and numerical analyses to maximize the wave energy capture and keep the LCoE at the lowest possible level. High-fidelity simulation models can accurately simulate the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) between the WECs and the ocean’s waves. However, the computation cost is too high for simulations and analyses of large-scale WEC parks. This study presents fully coupled hydrodynamic-structure response simulations and analyses using the high-fidelity CFD software STAR-CCM+, which is compared with the DNV software package SESAM that adopts potential flow theory to model environmental loads. A novel non-resonant heave-point buoyant WEC called NoviOcean is investigated. The first case study, where only one WEC was modelled, showed that both simulation approaches/software gave comparable WEC motion results for moderate sea state conditions, but the SESAM software required significantly less computation cost. Hence, the SESAM model was used in systematic simulations of two WECs to investigate the effect of FSI on the energy capture by both WECs by varying the distance between the WECs and the wave direction. The results show which WEC distances and wave directions should be preferred to maximize the wave energy capture.

FSI

STAR-CCM+

SESAM software

wave energy

Author

Xinyuan Shao

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

Huadong Yao

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

Jonas Ringsberg

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

Jan Skjöldhammer

Novige AB

Jianfeng Lin

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

Proceedings of the International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering - OMAE 2023

Vol. 8
9780791886908 (ISBN)

The ASME 2023 42nd International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE 2023)
Melbourne, Australia,

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.

INTERACT - Analysis of array systems of wave energy converters with regard to interaction effects in the LCOE and fatigue analyses

Swedish Energy Agency (2019-026869), 2020-09-01 -- 2022-11-30.

Strategic research project on Chalmers on hydro- and aerodynamics

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

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Subject Categories

Materials Engineering

Applied Mechanics

Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics

Marine Engineering

Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics

Areas of Advance

Energy

Materials Science

Roots

Basic sciences

DOI

10.1115/OMAE2023-101335

More information

Latest update

6/26/2024