Abstract
The utilization of ocean renewable energy, especially wave energy, is of great significance in ocean engineering. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical wave tank was established to simulate the wave-float interaction based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and the Realizable K-Epsilon Two-Layer turbulence model was applied. Firstly, convergence studies with respect to the mesh and time step were carried out and confirmed by the published analytical and numerical data. Then, the resonance condition of a particular float was solved by both numerical and analytical methods. The numerical and the analytical results are mutually verified in good agreements, which verify the reliability of the analytical process. Furthermore, a wave energy converter (WEC) consisting of a single float without damping constant was adopted, and its hydrodynamic performance in different wave conditions was investigated. It was found that the damping factor can affect the motion response of the float and the wave force it receives. Under a certain wavelength condition, the WEC resonates with the wave, at which the wave force on the float, displacement of the float and other parameters reach a maximum value. Finally, the influence of linear damping constant on the power take-off (PTO) was studied. The results show that the damping factor does not affect the wave number turning point of the optimal damping constant.
Highlights
Energy and environment are key issues for humans and their development
Wave energy is usually captured by motions of a wave energy converter (WEC) [4]
While development of modern wave energy converter dates back to 1799 [5], the technology did not receive worldwide attention until the 1970s, when an oil crisis occurred and Stephen Salter published a notable paper about the technology in Nature in 1974 [6]
Summary
Energy and environment are key issues for humans and their development. Due to the problems of environmental pollution and energy deficit, the development and utilization of renewable energy have received strong attention by more and more countries [1,2]. Zheng et al [15,16] studied the diffraction and radiation of a square floating structure under the condition of three-dimensional wave incidence, and analyzed the influence of different incident wave directions on the force and hydrodynamic performance of the WEC by using the eigenfunction expansion matching method. Backer et al [19] carried out their research by boundary element method and shows that the difference in WEC energy capture efficiency between different shapes of float structures is small. Yu et al [25] studied a two-body floating-point absorber (FPA) WEC system, and analyzed the hydrodynamic response and the power absorption performance of the system in regular waves.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
