Analytical investigation on a wave energy converter-dual-arc breakwater integration system

Abstract

A wave energy converter (WEC)-breakwater integration system consisting of a heaving WEC and a bottom-mounted dual-arc breakwater is proposed. The energy extraction performance and wave attenuation performance of the integration system were investigated using a theoretical model based on linear potential flow theory. The permeability of the dual-arc breakwater is considered in the theoretical model. The singularity at the edges of the perforated arc-shaped wall was solved using the multiterm Galerkin method. The unknowns in the expressions of velocity potential were solved using the eigenfunction expansion matching method. After successful validation, a comparative study between the models with dual-arc breakwater of different permeability was carried out first. Then, a parametric study on the configuration with a solid inner and a perforated outer arc-shaped wall is carried out. The performance of the proposed integration system is further investigated in multi-directional irregular waves, and it was found that the fluctuations of the average power capture width ratio are much lower compared with that under unidirectional regular wave conditions. The overall performance of the integration system is better with a larger directional spreading parameter.