Theoretical investigation on a heaving wave energy converter-dual-arc breakwater integration system array

Abstract

The hydrodynamic performance of an array of heaving wave energy converter (WEC)-dual-arc breakwater integration systems was investigated using a theoretical model in the present paper based on the potential flow theory, with each dual-arc breakwater consisting of a bottom-mounted inner solid and outer perforated arc-shaped cylinder. The multiple scattering problem was solved using a hybrid iterative method. The mean transmission coefficient was introduced to quantify the wave attenuation performance. After successfully validating the theoretical model, the array effect and the hydrodynamic characteristics of the proposed integration system array are investigated. Focusing on the layout of a linear equidistant column, the calculation results indicate that the WEC and dual-arc breakwater array have mutual benefits in enhancing the wave energy extraction and wave attenuation performance. Compared to an array of bottom-mounted solid and porous cylinders, the proposed integration system array provides much better protection to the leeward region except at a very low wave frequency. In the considered frequency region, a closely arranged integration system array under the perpendicular incident waves has a very constructive array effect on the overall performance. For two staggered columns of integration systems, the wave energy absorption of the leeward column is improved and the sheltering effect to the leeward region is better at a high frequency as compared to the one-column layout; in contrast, the overall performance for two aligned columns is better at a low frequency.