Experimental and numerical comparisons of self-reacting point absorber wave energy converters in irregular waves

Abstract

An experimental and numerical comparison of the performance of two self-reacting point absorber wave energy converter designs is undertaken for heave motions in irregular waves. The experiments consist of a series of 1:25 scale model tests that feature re-configurable WEC body shapes, a feedback controlled power take-off, and a heave motion constraint apparatus. While both designs have the same float, the first design features a streamlined reacting body and the second design features a damper plate reacting body. A time domain numerical model, validated by the experimental results, is used to extend the comparisons of the designs in terms of power matrices, capture width matrices, and mean annual power production. Results indicate that the wave energy converter design with damper plate produces 41% higher mean annual energy production than the wave energy converter design with streamlined reacting body at a representative location near the West Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.