Experimental study of the hydrodynamic performance of a U-oscillating water column wave energy converter

Abstract

The U-Oscillating Water Column (U-OWC) is one of the most promising wave energy converters for wave energy extraction. In this study, the hydrodynamic performance of a U-OWC device was tested experimentally in a wave flume. Typical time series of key parameters are illustrated, including the free surface elevation, the air pressure variation, and the hydrodynamic efficiency. Energy capture over a range of wave conditions is investigated in order to determine the effects of geometrical parameters, including the front wall opening height, the U-duct length, and the U-duct height. The results show that a relatively high front wall opening height is beneficial for the U-OWC device. The length and height of the U-duct have a significant influence on the converting efficiency, and the optimal dimensionless values were evaluated. Moreover, the incident wave period also significantly affects the performance of the device.