Hydrodynamic performance and energy redistribution characteristics of wind–wave hybrid system based on different WEC microarrays

Abstract

Wave energy converters (WECs) are often arranged in the form of microarrays to maximize the energy capture and synergistic effects in a wind–wave hybrid system. However, the hydrodynamic coupling in hybrid systems is complicated and tough to directly evaluate. Although there have been numerous studies on wind–wave hybrid systems, the influence of the structural form of the microarray on the interactions and performance of WECs has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Hence, the hydrodynamic coupled modelling of a hybrid system considering different WECs microarrays was developed. Based on this system, the relationship between the microarray arrangement and hydrodynamic performance of the hybrid system was studied, coupled with the energy redistribution characteristics of the microarray. The results show that the gain of WECs microarray to the floating offshore wind turbine in pitch mode decreases with increasing wave direction. Further, Upstream WECs alter the wave field experienced by downstream ones through radiation and diffraction waves, thereby affecting the energy capture of downstream WECs. This study presents insights into the effects of WECs microarrays on hydrodynamic coupling and energy redistribution characteristics in hybrid systems, which will help guide the design of WEC layout in wind–wave hybrid systems.