A Study on the Evaluation Method of Layout Effectiveness of Wave Energy Converter Array - An Example from Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter

Abstract

Wang, X.; Li, D.; Li, Y., and Wang, H., 2020. A study on the evaluation method of layout effectiveness of wave energy converter array - An example from point absorber wave energy converter. In: Zheng, C.W.; Wang, Q.; Zhan, C., and Yang, S.B. (eds.), Air-Sea Interaction and Coastal Environments of the Maritime and Polar Silk Roads. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 99, pp. 165–173. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN0749-0208.A wave energy converter array can be formed by distributing multiple wave energy converters in a same sea area. This technology can meet the increased demand of total installed power by arranging more converters in case of a fixed installed power of a single converter, with vast prospects of application. It is required to analyze the motion characteristics and the interactions of array converters in wave field, as well as design and formulate a reasonable array layout plan to improve the energy capture efficiency of the array. Based on the existing evaluation indexes for wave energy converter array layout effectiveness, this paper proposes to use the array energy gain coefficient as a new evaluation index. By exemplifying a cylindrical point absorber converter, this paper starts from the theoretical analysis of array converter movement, studies the calculation method for the new index, and quantitatively evaluates the overall energy capture effectiveness of the wave energy converter array within a given interval of wave conditions. This paper applies the new index to calculate, analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of array layout in the example, and the theoretical method and relevant rules for the layout of wave energy converter array are summarized according to the calculated data. The new index enriches the evaluation method for the layout effectiveness of wave energy converter array, and can be applied to the design of array and related theoretical research.