Propulsion and energy extraction performance of wave-powered mechanism considering wave and current

Abstract

Wave-powered mechanism can extract wave energy as propulsion, enabling long-term ocean observation. The kinematic properties of wave propulsion mechanisms are susceptible to ocean current loads in addition to wave effects, presenting complex dynamic behaviors. In this paper, to understand the effects of ocean currents on the kinematic performances of wave propulsion mechanism, the dynamic performance of a wave propulsion mechanism in the combined condition of wave and current is analyzed based on numerical simulation method for fluid-rigid body coupling and experimental methods. The performance of the propulsion mechanism against the current under counter-current conditions and the contribution of flow to the propulsion performance under co-current conditions are discussed. The intrinsic relationship between wave height, current velocity and current direction is investigated, and the energy extraction performance of wave propulsion mechanism is analyzed. According to the results, the ability of propulsion mechanism to resist counter-current is obtained, and it is found that as the counter-current velocity increases, the hydrofoil will stall and the propulsion force and efficiency decreases significantly. Whilst, the co-current has a promoting effect on the forward of the mechanism, but within a certain range of co-current speed, the mechanism will be negatively affected by the shedding vortex. And the discrimination mechanisms for wave-dominated propulsion and current-dominated propulsion are obtained. This work reveals the combined effect of waves and currents on the motion performance of wave propulsion mechanism, providing a reference for the development of surface vehicles that utilize multiple ocean energies for synergistic propulsion.