WECs microarray effect on the coupled dynamic response and power performance of a floating combined wind and wave energy system

Abstract

With numerous floating wind-wave hybrid system concepts proposed and studied on a large scale, multiple wave energy converters (WECs) are usually integrated in a hybrid system to spread the cost and obtain more power. The internal interactions between WECs and a platform are complex and difficult to assess. The effect of WECs microarray on the performance and interaction of hybrid systems has not been adequately studied. To bridge this gap, the frequency-domain and time-domain modelling considering the effect of WECs microarray is first established using the coupled AQWA-FAST simulation system. On this basis, this work studies the internal connection between the layout of the WECs, and interaction factors for hydrodynamic coupling between WECs microarrays and the platform. The relationship between the WECs microarray and the aerodynamic response of the wind turbine is analysed, as well as the relationship between the microarray layout and the disturbed wave field of the devices. Results show that the WECs outer microarray performs better in terms of pitch motion suppression and power output, while the inner microarray exerts a more positive influence on the dynamic response of the tower.