Wave Energy Capture Research Articles

Investigation on the wave focusing effects and energy capture of oscillating water column array

The study of OWC array hydrodynamic performance has been a focus of attention. However, due to the complex flow and strong nonlinearity generated during its interaction with waves, the main challenge and key focus in current research is how to simulate this process both quickly and accurately. A fast-numerical model of the OWC is developed using the open-source software package OpenFOAM. The numerical model replaces the orifice plate with Forchheimer-flow and the vertical walls with an immersed boundary. Compared to the traditional numerical model, the fast-numerical model can speed up the simulation by at least 10 times. The impact of row spacing and column spacing on the array gain is systematically investigated through the simulations of two-OWCs array, four-OWCs lattice array, and five-OWCs interlaced array. The results show that a two-OWCs array can generate a wave focusing area at its rear, and the location of this area changes with row spacings. For the four-OWCs lattice array, the row spacing increasing causes the wave focusing area to move closer to the array. The proximity of the wave focusing area enhances the power output of the second row of OWCs. After increasing the row and column spacing, the reflection of waves from the second row of OWCs to the first row is decreased, resulting in a reduction in the power output of the first row of OWCs. In contrast to the four-OWC lattice array, the five-OWCs interlaced array demonstrates a lower array gain in the first row of OWCs, with the second row displaying a higher array gain.

Multi-objective optimal control of a hybrid offshore wind turbine platform integrated with multi-float wave energy converters

Offshore floating wind turbines will play a pivotal role in achieving net-zero emissions. This study explores a hybrid platform combining an offshore floating wind turbine with wave energy converters (WECs) from an active control perspective to mitigate turbine damage risk while maximizing wave energy conversion. Initially, the control-oriented state-space modelling of the hybrid platform and the validation of the time-domain Cummins-type models of different orders are performed by the Eulerian-Lagrangian method with model linearization and downscaling. Then, a multi-objective non-causal optimal controller is introduced, balancing wave energy capture and penalizing the nacelle acceleration. When wave energy capture maximization is set as the control target, the proposed optimal controller can improve energy output by 184% as compared against a well-tuned passive damper across all peak periods tested. However this causes peak hub acceleration to increase marginally beyond the desirable limits of 3–4 m/s2 for wind turbine operation. When hub acceleration is penalized, the multi-objective optimal controller can reduce peak values below limits by between 40% and 61% with trivial loss of wave energy capture.

Submerged and completely open solid–liquid triboelectric nanogenerator for water wave energy harvesting

AbstractTriboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an emerging wave energy harvesting technology with excellent potential. However, due to issues with sealing, anchoring, and difficult deployment over large areas, TENG still cannot achieve large‐scale wave energy capture. Here, a submerged and completely open solid–liquid TENG (SOSL‐TENG) is developed for ocean wave energy harvesting. The SOSL‐TENG is adapted to various water environments. Due to its simple structure, it is easy to deploy into various marine engineering facilities in service. Importantly, this not only solves the problem of difficult construction of TENG networks at present, but also effectively utilizes high‐quality wave energy resources. The working mechanism and output performance of the SOSL‐TENG are systematically investigated. With optimal triggering conditions, the transferred charge (Qtr) and short‐circuit current (Isc) of SOSL‐TENG are 2.58 μC and 85.9 μA, respectively. The wave tank experiment is taken for fully demonstrating the superiority of the SOSL‐TENG network in large‐scale collection and conversion of wave energy. Due to the excellent output performance, TENG can harvest wave energy to provide power for various commercial electronic devices such as LED beads, hygrothermograph, and warning lights. Importantly, the SOSL‐TENG networks realizes self‐powered for electrochemical systems, which provides a direction for energy cleanliness in industrial systems. This work provides a prospective strategy for large‐scale deployment of TENG applications, especially for harvesting wave energy in spray splash zones or at the surface of the water.image

Research Progress on Friction Nanogenerator Technology for Wave Energy Harvesting

The ubiquitous phenomenon of friction-generated energy, often considered to be of little practical value, has led to the development of a new technology known as friction nanogenerators (FNGs). This innovative technology offers significant potential for the sustained power supply and large-scale harvesting of wave energy, which can be particularly beneficial for ocean sensors. This paper presents an analysis of the current development of FNGs, a detailed description of the principles, operations, and modes of operation of FNGs for wave energy capture, and an investigation of the various FNG structures and their research progress. Additionally, it explores the current challenges and future trends of FNG technology and proposes the integration of FNG technology with other technological fields to provide researchers with a comprehensive understanding of its current status and potential in the field of wave energy harvesting.

GWECS: An indicator to describe the energy absorption characteristics of wave energy converter arrays in real sea states

Grouping wave energy converters (WECs) into an array has become a trend to improve power production and achieve economies of scale. Therefore, the performance of a WEC array in real sea states is of vital importance. To intuitively reflect an array's frequency-based energy absorption characteristics instead of only the total extractable power in given irregular wave conditions, a new indicator of group wave energy capture spectrum (GWECS) is proposed by extending the concept of wave energy capture spectrum (WECS) to an array. A practical method to measure the indicator by estimating the absorbed wave surface from the array's power signal is also given. Simulations in two-dimensional conditions with a 2-cuboid WEC array and in three-dimensional conditions with a 2-cylinder WEC array are conducted to study the concept. The results examine the consistency in capture efficiency between the newly proposed indicator and conventional ones, and present the effect of various parameters, including linear power take-off (PTO) damping, buoy permutation, separation distance, and incident wave angle on the GWECS.

Analysis and optimization of self-propelled performance of wave-driven vehicle hydrofoil under high sea-level condition

The wave-driven vehicle is a surface vehicle powered by capturing wave energy, which is required to face harsh sea conditions when performing tasks in parts of the ocean. However, wave-driven vehicles are usually small in size, and their seakeeping and speed are generally poor in high sea conditions. Wave driven vehicles are usually equipped with rigid connected hydrofoils to capture wave energy, which can provide power for wave driven vehicles and enhance seakeeping. Aiming at the long-term survival and operation requirements of wave-driven vehicle under high sea conditions, this paper studies the effect of high sea conditions launching wing on the self- propelled performance of wave-driven vehicle. After installing rigid connected hydrofoils on wave-driven vehicles, the structural parameters of the hydrofoils are changed, and the kinematic and dynamic responses of wave-driven vehicles at 0–90 ° wave encounter Angle are numerically simulated based on CFD method. The effects of underwater wing depth, hydrofoil spacing and hydrofoil span length on the self- propelled performance of wave-driven vehicles are analyzed. Based on this, the structural parameters of rigidly connected hydrofoils are optimized, which improves the seakeeping and rapidity of wave-driven vehicles in high sea conditions.

Viscous effects on the hydrodynamic performance of a two-body wave energy converter with a damping plate

In this study, the hydrodynamic forces and power absorption performance of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV)-based two-body wave energy converter (2BWEC) are investigated. A theoretical model is developed within the framework of linear potential flow to solve for added mass, radiation damping, and wave excitation force using the matched eigenfunction expansion method (MEEM). A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is employed to account for vortex-shedding effects of the floater and inner cylinder with a damping plate under various excitation conditions. Empirical formulas for supplementary added mass and drag coefficients caused by flow separation are proposed based on curve-fitting the differences between CFD results and MEEM calculations. These formulas are integrated into motion equations to enhance accuracy in evaluating the power absorption of the 2BWEC. It has been found that in the context of viscous flow, both the added mass and damping coefficients are increased, particularly for the inner cylinder with a damping plate. In addition, the viscous hydrodynamic coefficients exhibit strong dependence on the Keulegan–Carpenter number, while showing insensitivity to changes in the frequency parameter β. The supplementary (viscous) added mass provides additional inertia for the AUV with a limited mass itself, which is advantageous for the power absorption of the AUV-based 2BWEC. Conversely, the presence of viscous damping from the damping plate impedes wave energy capture.

Synergistic Integration of Multiple Wave Energy Converters with Adaptive Resonance and Offshore Floating Wind Turbines through Bayesian Optimization

We developed a synergistic ocean renewable system where an array of Wave Energy Converters (WEC) with adaptive resonance was collocated with a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) such that the WECs, capturing wave energy through the resonance adapting to varying irregular waves, consequently reduced FOWFT loads and turbine motions. Combining Surface-Riding WECs (SR-WEC) individually designed to feasibly relocate their natural frequency at the peak of the wave excitation spectrum for each sea state, and to obtain the highest capture width ratio at one of the frequent sea states for annual average power in a tens of kilowatts scale with a 15 MW FOWT based on a semi-submersible, Bayesian Optimization is implemented to determine the arrangement of WECs that minimize the annual representation of FOWT’s wave excitation spectra. The time-domain simulation of the system in the optimized arrangement is performed, including two sets of interactions: one set is the wind turbine dynamics, mooring lines, and floating body dynamics for FOWT, and the other set is the nonlinear power-take-off dynamics, linear mooring, and individual WECs’ floating body dynamics. Those two sets of interactions are further coupled through the hydrodynamics of diffraction and radiation. For sea states comprising Annual Energy Production, we investigate the capture width ratio of WECs, wave excitation on FOWT, and nacelle acceleration of the turbine compared to their single unit operations. We find that the optimally arranged SR-WECs reduce the wave excitation spectral area of FOWT by up to 60% and lower the turbine’s peak nacelle acceleration by nearly 44% in highly occurring sea states, while multiple WECs often produce more than the single operation, achieving adaptive resonance with a larger wave excitation spectra for those sea states. The synergistic system improves the total Annual Energy Production (AEP) by 1440 MWh, and we address which costs of Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE) can be reduced by the collocation.

A Novel Approach to Wave Energy Conversion Using CFD Technique

Abstract This article details the development and evaluation of a novel wave energy converter (WEC) aimed at efficiently capturing wave energy for electricity production. The study employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, specifically the URANS method and the k-ω SST turbulence model, to solve the Navier-Stokes equations and capture the free surface using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model. The CFD results are validated against experimental data to ensure accuracy. Various design parameters of the proposed device were tested, revealing that the arms and bottom angle significantly affect its performance. Unlike the floating Wave Dragon (WD) device, which utilises potential energy and is set in deep water, the new fixed-seabed device is positioned in the transitional wave region near the shore, where waves retain 80% of their energy. It can be constructed from environmentally friendly cement, making it resistant to hurricanes and suitable for any wave turbine in the open sea. The MP687 turbine was used to capture the wave energy in the proposed device, testing its performance in three positions: in the open sea, in the middle of the device, and at the device’s outlet. The results show that the device significantly enhances wave energy concentration, especially when the turbine is placed at the outlet. The proposed device offers numerous advantages, including its fixed position in a high-energy wave zone, the efficient use of turbulent kinetic energy, and robust construction that can withstand storms.

Hydroelastic modelling of a deformable wave energy converter including power take-off

Given the advantages of flexible wave energy converters (FlexWECs), such as deformation-led energy harnessing and structural loading compliance, there has been a significant interest in FlexWECs in both academia and industries. To simulate the FlexWEC interaction with ocean surface waves, a 3D computational fluid-structure interaction approach is developed in this study. The fluid and solid governing equations are discretized using finite difference and finite element methods, respectively. An immersed boundary method is used to couple the two independent grid systems. A novel numerical technique is introduced to model the dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) as the power take-off (PTO). The wave energy capture performance is analysed for different PTO configurations and at various wave conditions. Based on the obtained results, the PTO damping coefficient and the relative wavelength range that maximizes the capture width ratio (CWR) are determined. The wavefield results also reveal the presence of wave-height enhancement and attenuation points around a single FlexWEC, providing potential site selection references when deploying multiple FlexWECs in an array.

A self-powered smart wave energy converter for sustainable sea

Self-powered smart buoys are widely used in sustainable sea, such as marine environmental monitoring. The article designs a self-powered and self-sensing point-absorber wave energy converter based on the two-arm mechanism. The system consists of the wave energy capture module, the power take-off module, the generator module and the energy storage module. As the core component of the wave energy converter, the power take-off module is mainly composed of a two-arm mechanism, which can convert the oscillation heave motion into unidirectional rotary motion. To evaluate the power generation performance of the system, the kinematic and dynamic models of the wave energy converter with the flywheel are established, and the disengagement and engagement phenomena of the flywheel are analyzed. The effectiveness of the prototype in capturing wave energy is verified through dry experiments in lab and field tests. The dry experiment reveals that the maximum output power of the system is 5.67 W, and the maximum and average mechanical efficiency are 66.63 % and 48.35 %, respectively. Additionally, the field test demonstrates that the peak output power can reach 92 W. Meanwhile, the generated electrical signals can be processed by deep learning algorithms to accurately identify different wave states. This high performance confirms that the proposed wave energy converter can meet its own energy needs by capturing wave energy in the marine environment, while also achieving self-sensing for wave condition monitoring. The system has great potential for promoting the development of intelligent sustainable sea in the future.

Oscillating water column wave energy converter arrays coupled with a parabolic-wall energy concentrator in regular and irregular wave conditions

Based upon previous research on a single, high-efficiency Oscillating Water Column (OWC) wave energy capture system (Mayon et al., 2021), this work further extends the numerical investigation to the layout design and performance of the wave energy convertor (WEC) array coupled with a parabolic, energy concentrating wall in both regular and irregular incident wave conditions. A heuristic method to identify the optimal siting of the component, cylindrical OWC WECs in the array, installed in the concave opening of the wall is presented. The most advantageous location of the chambers is found to lie on a parabolic curvature line which is inset from the wall. Two separate arrays composed of three and five component OWCs are investigated in a range of regular wave conditions. The hydrodynamic power and efficiency of each chamber in each of the arrays is determined, and subsequently the aggregated array performance is established. It is found that the primary OWC chamber in the array configuration can attain approximately the same hydrodynamic power output as a single, isolated OWC chamber located the parabolic wall focus, albeit with a narrower energy capture bandwidth. The secondary and tertiary component chambers in the arrays contribute a lesser, yet still considerable quantity of hydrodynamic power to the consolidated system. The cumulative hydrodynamic efficiency of the collective arrays is less than the hydrodynamic efficiency of a single OWC chamber at the wall focus, but more efficient than an isolated OWC chamber positioned in open-sea conditions. Moreover, the hydrodynamic efficiency of the arrays exhibits better stability across the range of incident wave periods investigated, denoting that the individual component chambers in the array are efficacious at different incident wave conditions. The five chamber array is comprehensively analysed in irregular incident wave conditions. The array system is demonstrated to maintain a high power output and efficient behaviour in irregular incident wave conditions-an effect attributable to the reflecting wall influence. In summary, the five-chamber array configuration yields a higher power output and improved stability in terms of efficiency performance when compared with the three-chamber array configuration in regular waves. The array maintains this exceptional performance in irregular incident wave conditions.

Hybrid control strategy for efficiency enhancement of a raft-type wave energy converter

To improve the wave energy capture performance of a raft-type wave energy converter, a novel hybrid control strategy consisting of a passive control strategy and an active control strategy is proposed. In the passive control strategy, a nonlinear stiffness mechanism is introduced to generate a nonlinear passive control force. The passive control strategy has the advantage of broadening the capture width, whereas the active control strategy, which uses nonlinear model predictive control, is mainly utilized to improve the capture efficiency. Considering the high dimensions of the dynamic model, a dimension reduction strategy is given. Moreover, a mechanism for selecting the initial value is proposed to avoid the local optimum. Then, a dimension reduction nonlinear model predictive control controller is proposed to obtain the optimal active control force. Finally, the wave energy capture performance is evaluated for both regular and irregular waves. Numerical simulation results show that the wave energy capture performance can be improved using the novel hybrid control strategy.

Improving wave energy conversion performance of a floating BBDB-OWC system by using dual chambers and a novel enhancement plate

In this study, a novel floating dual-chamber backward bent duct buoy oscillating water column (BBDB-OWC) wave energy converter (WEC) is introduced, featuring a horizontal plate at the bottom of the front chamber to act as an enhancement plate. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed and validated by comparing its results with existing experimental measurements. The validated model is employed to investigate the hydrodynamic performance and power generation characteristics of the dual-chamber BBDB-OWC WEC under various conditions, including variations in the length of the horizontal plate (lp/lf) and different regular wave conditions. Key performance metrics, including peak to average ratio of power (PTARP), wave energy capture width ratio (ξtotal), and its wave period respond bandwidth (indicated by Pξtotal > 0.5 and Pξtotal > 0.7), are analyzed and compared with those of a traditional single-chamber BBDB-OWC WEC. The results reveal that, compared to the single-chamber WEC, the dual-chamber WEC with a specific horizontal plate length reduces the average PTARP from 2.88 to a minimum value of 1.82 for lp/lf = 0.5, improves the average ξtotal from 0.55 to a maximum value of 0.64 for lp/lf = 2.5, and increases Pξtotal > 0.5 and Pξtotal > 0.7 from 71 % and 14 % to maximum values of 86 % and 43 % for lp/lf = 2.5, respectively. An explanation for these observations is also provided in the context of structure motion and flow fields.

Hydrodynamic performance of a land-based multi-chamber OWC wave energy capture system: An experimental study

Improving ocean wave energy capture in a cost-effective manner is a challenging task. Multi-chamber oscillating water column (OWC) devices are gaining favor due to their potentially efficient characteristics. This research experimentally investigated the hydrodynamic performance of a land-based OWC wave energy capture system with multiple chambers (ranging from 1 to 5). The free surface elevation, air pressure fluctuations, hydrodynamic efficiency, and reflection coefficient are considered. The hydrodynamic efficiencies of the overall, and sub-chambers in the OWC system with varying numbers of chambers are graphically presented. The influence of geometrical design parameters and wave conditions are also considered in evaluating the performance of the multi-chamber OWC system. It is found that the multi-chamber arrangement improves the hydrodynamic energy extraction characteristics compared to the traditional single-chamber setup. The sloshing mode of the chamber water column is utilized to effectively capture wave energy. As the number of chambers increases, the wave attenuation capability of the system improves for long waves. Yet, the overall efficiency declines when the number of OWC chambers exceeds 3. The chamber draft has the most substantial impact on the wave energy capturing capability, while the effects of opening ratio and wave height are attenuated due to multiple water-column interactions inside the chambers. The isometric sub-chamber structure demonstrates overall efficiency and wave attenuation advantages for short waves. The paper aims to guide the design and optimization of a multi-chamber OWC system.

Capture mechanism of a multi-dimensional wave energy converter with a strong coupling parallel drive

Wave energy is a promising renewable energy source. How to improve wave energy capture efficiency is a key challenge of wave energy generation. A multi-dimensional wave energy converter (MDWEC) with a strong coupling parallel drive is proposed. The MDWEC can efficiently absorb wave energy through a multi-dimensional moving body driven by six parallel hydraulic cylinders. Based on the Lagrangian approach, high nonlinear strong coupling dynamic models of the MDWEC are established. The hydraulic cylinder force acting on the converter is deduced according to the principle of virtual work. The nonlinear hydrostatic restoring force for different submerged body geometry shapes is derived. The vertical restoring force caused by pitch and roll, the pitch and roll restoring torque caused by deviating from the equilibrium position, the coupled radiation force, and the coupled inertial force between pitch and surge are considered. The hydrodynamic performance, the motion response, and the transient power behavior are investigated. The upper and lower platform hinge point radius, the hinge point center angle, and conversion parameters are optimized based on a genetic algorithm. Wave power capture ability comparison with different design parameters, shapes, and wave states is presented. As the significant wave height decreases from 3 m to 1 m, the capture efficiency increases from 68.3% to 79.1%. The capture ability of MDWEC with semiellipsolid is the highest. Compared with a heaving cone converter, the MDWEC improves the capture efficiency by 47.5% with a significant wave height of 1 m and an energy period of 4 s.

Optimization of Buoy Shape for Wave Energy Converter Based on Particle Swarm Algorithm

In order to improve the wave energy capture rate of the buoy of a wave energy generation device, this paper proposes a multi-degree of freedom method to optimize the shape of the buoy with maximum wave energy capture. Firstly, a multi-degree of freedom wave energy converter was designed, and the buoy shape was defined using a B-spline curve to generate the shape vector; then, a numerical model of the multi-degree of freedom wave energy converter was established and numerical calculations were carried out using AQWA/WEC-Sim software; on this basis, the particle swarm optimization algorithm was introduced to find the buoy shape corresponding to the maximum wave energy capture. Finally, the optimization of the buoy shape was in irregular waves. The results show that as the wave energy capture increased, the buoy shape tended to be flatter, with a smaller taper, and the optimal buoy shape had a better motion response than the conventional cone buoy. Eventually, the correctness of the buoy shape optimization method was verified through experimental testing.

Efficient self-powered cathodic corrosion protection system based on multi-layer grid synergistic triboelectric nanogenerator and power management circuits

The last few years have seen a boom in the use of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for capturing wave energy in the ocean. This work reports a multi-layer grid synergistic triboelectric nanogenerator (MLGS-TENG). In this work, the independent layer triboelectric nanogenerator in the grid format is skillfully employed, and the design of the multi-layer parallel structure can effectively increase the capture rate of blue energy in the ocean. The shell of the triboelectric nanogenerator adopts a gyroscopic structure, which, when combined with its internal architecture, operates effectively on the surface of ocean waves. Moreover, it can be very effective in harvesting low-frequency wave energy in the ocean and converting it into mechanical energy, and then converting it into electrical energy through the friction of the internal self-assembly layer. In low-frequency mechanical tests, when the frequency is about 1 Hz and the load impedance is 400 MΩ, the peak power output of the generator in a single layer can reach 77 mW/m2. Given the excellent energy harvesting performance of MLGS-TENG, it is applied to build a high-efficiency cathodic corrosion protection system in conjunction with a buck rectifier circuit. This work is of great significance for the wide application of triboelectric nanogenerators in the marine environment and provides a feasible way to ensure the long-term stability of offshore platforms.

Performance analysis of the combination of a pitching wave surge energy converter and floating breakwaters

ABSTRACT Wave Energy Converters (WEC) captured the wave energy while Floating Breakwaters (FB) attenuated the wave energy to make a calm area for harbour activities. This study investigates the combination of a pitching Wave Energy Converter (WEC) and Floating Breakwater (FB) for simultaneous wave energy capture and wave attenuation in harbour areas. Three different configurations were analyzed in nine different hydrodynamic conditions to optimise the performance of both FB and WEC. The results show that the optimised combined device with rectangular draft has the most promising performance, with an average wave transmission operation of 38.8% and a captured power of 533.2 kW across all conditions. Longer arms of the device also lead to better performance. Additionally, wave steepness was found to be a significant factor in the performance of the combined device.

Design, modeling and performance analysis of a deformable double-float wave energy converter for AUVs

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are one of the most important means of ocean exploration. However, the restricted energy supply poses a significant challenge to the advancement and practical application of AUVs. Based on the structural characteristics, this paper proposes a novel AUV, which integrates a deformable double-float wave energy converter (WEC), called DFWEC-AUV. The DFWEC empowers the AUV to capture wave energy to supply itself by oscillating double-float form in power generation mode. The structural design, focusing on the deformable float (DeF) and the onboard damping plate (DP), and the working principle, including mode switching and energy capture, are firstly introduced. Then, a double-float dynamic model of DFWEC-AUV oscillating in regular waves is established to reveal the energy capture mechanism in both frequency-domain and time-domain. Finally, the influence of the presence of DP, structural parameters (diameter of DP and deployment angle of DeF) and power take-off (PTO) system damping coefficient on the dynamic response characteristics and energy capture performance is analyzed. In addition, to verify the effectiveness of the performance analysis, a comparative simulation of parameter optimization is carried out under actual wave excitation. The results show that the addition of onboard DP is able to effectively enhance the energy capture performance of DFWEC-AUV, as well as increase the energy capture bandwidth. Moreover, the larger the diameter of the DP is, the greater the performance improvement of DFWEC-AUV is. Conversely, increasing the deployment angle of the DeF does not necessarily lead to better power capture performance. Additionally, it is observed that waves of a particular period are consistently associated with an optimal PTO damping coefficient, which leads to superior power capture performance. In comparative simulation, the energy capture performance of DFWEC-AUV after parameter optimization is increased by 4.7 times.