Wave attenuation and focusing performance of parallel twin parabolic arc floating breakwaters

Abstract

The hybrid system consisting of floating breakwater and point absorber wave energy converters provides a promising solution for shoreline protection and wave power generation. In the hybrid system, the breakwater plays an important role in protecting the sheltered area on the lee side and focusing high waves for better energy harvesting on the weather side. To improve the wave attenuation and focusing performance, a twin-breakwater consisting of a pair of parallel parabolic pontoons is proposed. Based on the potential flow theory of linear waves, the influences of gap width and connection method applied between the two pontoons are studied in the frequency domain, with an emphasis on the so-called critical mode around which both wave attenuation and focusing could be improved. Results show that the rigidly connected twin-breakwater is superior to the unconnected twin-breakwater with the same configuration in both wave attenuation and focusing. A second critical mode with lower frequency is also found under particular gap width, providing a potential for the defense of long waves. An optimal attenuation could be obtained by applying a proper gap width.