Abstract
An analytical model is developed based on linear potential flow theory and matching eigenfunction expansion technique to investigate the hydrodynamics of a two-dimensional floating structure. This structure is an integration system consisting of a breakwater and an oscillating buoy wave energy converter (WEC). It is constrained to heave motion, and linear power take-off (PTO) damping is used to calculate the absorbed power. The proposed model is verified against the published results. The proposed integrated structure is compared with the fixed structure and free heave-motion structure, respectively. The hydrodynamic properties of the integrated structure with the optimal PTO damping i.e., the transmission coefficient, reflection coefficient, capture width ratio (CWR), and heave response amplitude operator (RAO), are investigated. The effect of the PTO damping on the performance of the integrated system is also evaluated. Results indicate that with the proper adjustment of the PTO damping, the proposed integrated system can produce power efficiently. Meanwhile, the function of coastal protection can be compared with that of the fixed structure.
Highlights
As environmental concerns gain importance, more studies are being conducted on energy extraction from renewable energy resources
The high construction cost still significantly impedes the industrial application of wave energy utilization [3]
Chen et al [15] numerically investigated the hydrodynamic performance of floating horizontal cylinders as both wave energy converter (WEC) and floating breakwaters; results indicated that a configuration with small cylinders in groups may achieve the two functions simultaneously
Summary
As environmental concerns gain importance, more studies are being conducted on energy extraction from renewable energy resources. Experimental results showed that functions of coastal protection and the wave energy utilization can be satisfied simultaneously for the proposed concept. Chen et al [15] numerically investigated the hydrodynamic performance of floating horizontal cylinders as both WECs and floating breakwaters; results indicated that a configuration with small cylinders in groups may achieve the two functions simultaneously. Experimentally investigated the performance of a hybrid structure consisting of an “active” floating breakwater and a WEC (named ShoWED); results showed that the hybrid structure can successfully generate both electrical energy and coastal protection. The experimental study showed that acceptable wave attenuation performance and energy-conversion efficiency can be obtained if the appropriate structure dimensions and power take-off (PTO) damping force are obtained. The present study is conducted based on potential flow theory and the assumption of breakwater undergoing heave motion with small response amplitude.
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