Abstract
This paper investigates the effects of wave energy converters (WECs) on water waves through the analysis of extensive laboratory experiments, as well as subsequent numerical simulations. Data for the analysis was collected during the WEC-Array Experiments performed at the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory at Oregon State University, in collaboration with Columbia Power Technologies, using five 1:33 scale point-absorbing WECs. The observed wave measurement and WEC performance data sets allowed for a direct computation of power removed from the wave field for a large suite of incident wave conditions and WEC array sizes. Using measured power absorption characteristics as a WEC parameterization for SWAN was developed. This parameterization was verified by comparison to the observational data set. Considering the complexity of the problem, the parameterization of WECs by only power absorption is a reasonable predictor of the effect of WECs on the far field.
Highlights
A clear understanding of how wave energy converters (WECs) will affect the ocean environment, ocean waves in particular, is needed before commercialization
Preliminary Results Wave gage measurements from the lee array are used to quantify the power deficit induced by the WEC array
It was clear that the decrease in wave height observed at the lee gage array depends on WEC array size
Summary
Background A clear understanding of how wave energy converters (WECs) will affect the ocean environment, ocean waves in particular, is needed before commercialization. Laboratory observations of the effects of WEC-arrays on the wave field are analyzed. A WEC parameterization for SWAN that is based solely on WEC power absorption is tested. Wave energy converters currently have various designs, ranging from the point-absorbing buoy to on-shore installments, both of which generate power from the oscillating nature of ocean waves. Momentum is transferred from the ocean waves to mechanical power, and in turn, electricity. WECs will redistribute energy in addition to capturing energy. Power transfer from ocean waves to WECs, and the redistribution of wave power due to the presence of WECs create wave shadows shoreward of the device
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