Abstract
If wave energy technology is to mature to commercial success, array optimization could play a key role in that process. This paper outlines physical and numerical modeling of an array of five oscillating water column wave energy converters. Numerical model simulations are compared with experimental tank test data for a non-optimal and optimal array layout. Results show a max increase of 12% in average power for regular waves, and 7% for irregular waves between the non-optimized and optimized layouts. The numerical model matches well under many conditions; however, improvement is needed to adjust for phase errors. This paper outlines the process of numerical and physical array testing, providing methodology and results helpful for researchers and developers working with wave energy converter arrays.
Highlights
MANY contemporary visions of commercial wave energy production include array of devices working in concert
Related research was conducted for this project in these areas, this paper describes the software modeling and physical testing process of an array of Oscillating Water Columns (OWC) Wave Energy Converter (WEC) devices
Large array numerical modeling has been done for 9-25 devices in [5]–[7] and for over 1000 devices in [8]
Summary
MANY contemporary visions of commercial wave energy production include array of devices working in concert. Current research in development of these arrays include device spacial placement and advance control techniques. Related research was conducted for this project in these areas, this paper describes the software modeling and physical testing process of an array of Oscillating Water Columns (OWC) Wave Energy Converter (WEC) devices. Other small array numerical studies are presented for OWC [2], and for generic devices in [3], [4]. Array placement decisions were based on research in genetic algorithms where initial results were presented at EWTEC in 2017 [12]
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