Abstract
Structural integrity has remained a challenge for design and analysis of wave energy devices. A difficulty in assessment of the structural integrity is often laid in the accurate determination of the wave-induced loads on the wave energy devices and the repones of the structure. Decoupled hydroelastic response of a submerged, oscillating wave energy device to extreme nonlinear wave loads is studied here. The submerged wave energy device consists of an oscillating horizontal disc attached to a direct-drive power take-off system. The structural frame of the wave energy device is fixed on the seafloor in shallow water. Several extreme wave conditions are considered in this study. The nonlinear wave loads on members of the submerged structure are obtained by use of the level I Green-Naghdi equations and Morison’s equation for cylindrical members. Distribution of Von Mises stresses and the elastic response of the structure to the extreme wave loads are determined by use of a finite element method. The decoupled hydroelastic analysis of the structure is carried out for devices built by four different materials, namely stainless steel, concrete, aluminium alloy, and titanium alloy. The elastic response of these devices is studied and results are compared with each other. Points of maximum stress and deformations are determined and the structural integrity under the extreme conditions is assessed. It is shown that the proposed approaches provide invaluable information about the structural integrity of wave energy devices.
Highlights
A survey conducted by the World Energy Council (2013), and others before, shows that fossil fuel resources are reduced and its share over the world energy demand is decreasing annually
This study aims to assess the vulnerability of the structures made by these materials, and provide information on the suitability of such material for wave energy devices
An approach is suggested to carry out the structural analysis of a submerged WEC under extreme wave conditions, and to assess the vulnerability of the structure
Summary
A survey conducted by the World Energy Council (2013), and others before, shows that fossil fuel resources are reduced and its share over the world energy demand is decreasing annually. The use of fossil fuels has a significant negative impact on the global environment. In light of the above, the use of renewable energy as a sustainable source of energy has received significant attention in recent years. There are four main categories of marine renewable energy resources from the oceans, namely ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), wave energy, current tidal energy, and wind energy. Compared with other sources of marine renewable energy, wave energy has some distinct advantages: (i) wave energy is highly available and predictable, (ii) waves provide the highest energy density, (iii) waves have little energy loss in a long distance travel (e.g. see Clement et al 2002; Thorpe 1999; Drew et al 2009; Polinder and Scuotto 2005; Pelc and Fujita 2002 for details)
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