Parameter based design of a twin-cylinder wave energy converter for real sea-states

TL;DR

This paper presents a hydrodynamic analysis of a twin-cylinder wave energy converter designed for deep water, evaluating its performance and survivability across various sea states using both monochromatic and broad-banded wave spectra.

Contribution

It introduces a parameter-based design methodology for a twin-cylinder wave energy converter, assessing its performance and survivability in diverse sea conditions.

Findings

Device performance varies with size and sea state.

Quantitative metrics for survivability are provided.

Most results are in dimensionless form for broad applicability.

Abstract

We discuss the hydrodynamics of a wave energy converter consisting of two vertically floating, coaxial cylinders connected by dampers and allowed to heave, sway and roll. This design, viable in deep water and able to extract energy independent of the incident wave direction, is examined for monochromatic waves as well as broad-banded seas described by a Pierson Moskowitz spectrum. Several possible device sizes are considered, and their performance is investigated for a design spectrum, as well as for more severe sea states, with a view towards survivability of the converters. In terms of device motions and captured power, a quantitative assessment of converter design as it relates to survival and operation is provided. Most results are given in dimensionless form to allow for a wide range of applications.