Theoretical study on arranging heaving wave energy converters in front of jarlan-type breakwater

Abstract

A hybrid wave energy extraction (HWEE) system consisting of a heaving wave energy converter (WEC) and a Jarlan-type breakwater was theoretically investigated using the linear potential theory. The law of wave energy flux conservation was used for verification. The effect of several critical geometry parameters on the hydrodynamic performance of the HWEE system was discussed. Then, appropriate parameter ranges were recommended in terms of the stability of the structure and the wave energy capture performance. The contribution of the wave radiation force to the total force was discussed, it was found that, compared with the wave excitation force, the wave radiation force can be ignored in most frequency ranges, except near the natural frequency of the heaving WEC. By a contrastive study, it was found that the hydrodynamic performance of the heaving WEC is greatly adjusted by the rear perforated breakwater, and the wave attenuation performance of the proposed HWEE system is much better than an isolated perforated breakwater. Furthermore, it was also found that, in irregular waves, the proposed HWEE system can still maintain a rather good wave energy capture performance.