Experimental investigation and performance comparison of a 1 single OWC, array and M-OWC

Abstract

Ocean wave energy continues to develop through innovation and a growing number of collaborations around the world. With the vast resource of wave energy on our doorstep it remains a focal point in ocean energy engineering with great potential. In order for wave energy to become more competitive and a serious player in the renewable energy mix, such innovations should not only benefit the wave energy sector but also other technological applications by providing attractive options for synergies in novel projects. This paper concerns the experimental investigation of Oscillating Water Column (OWC) Wave Energy Converter (WEC) technology and its potential as a Multi-Oscillating Water Column (M-OWC). This research investigation utilises a progressive and pragmatic experimental modelling approach, by cross comparing the models of a single standalone OWC, an OWC array and finally a modular M-OWC under the same environment and test conditions. Performance and characteristic responses are analysed while varying the values of OWC spacing, damping and wave conditions. The results indicate that the spacing of OWC chambers significantly affects the performance of an M-OWC. While performance improves with the increase of spacing, the efficiency of the M-OWC is greater than that of a single OWC or the OWC array at reduced spacing values. In addition, the results indicate that an OWC array is less efficient by having individual power take-off systems operating in isolation as opposed to the modular M-OWC.