Abstract

In 2009, four of 16 chambers in the Mutriku breakwater-integrated Oscillating Water Column (OWC) were badly damaged by storms, probably due to breaking wave loads, and slam within the chamber. To minimize exposure of future plant to such risks, it is necessary to characterise wave conditions under which such an installation could experience impact loads. This characterisation can be crucial to controling the power-take off resistance to increase the survability of the device during extreme weather. Large scale physical model tests in the Grosse Wellenkanal (GWK) included a video camera installed inside the chamber facing the rear chamber wall. Pressure sensors in the ceiling of the chamber were utilised to quantify the water loads. In-chamber impact pressures of up to 8 ρgH were recorded on the chamber ceiling, associated with the ‘sloshing’ observed. The “sloshing” phenomenon is not uncommon and should be considered in design processes.

Highlights

  • The idea of integrating a wave energy converter into a coastal defence or breakwater is not new

  • Large scale physical model tests in the Grosse Wellenkanal (GWK) included a video camera installed inside the chamber facing the rear chamber wall

  • Low and medium sloshing conditions for a closed / near closed chamber may always lead to major sloshing in a bigger orifice opening for both regular and irregular wave condition

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Summary

Introduction

The idea of integrating a wave energy converter into a coastal defence or breakwater is not new. To minimize exposure of future plant to such risks, it is necessary to characterise wave conditions under which such an installation could experience impact loads. Large scale physical model tests in the Grosse Wellenkanal (GWK) included a video camera installed inside the chamber facing the rear chamber wall. Pressure sensors in the ceiling of the chamber were utilised to quantify the water loads.

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