Hydrodynamic of surge wave energy converters

TL;DR

This paper presents a 2D numerical simulation of surge wave energy converters using RANS equations and SST turbulence model, revealing wave interactions and device hydrodynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed numerical model for flap-type wave energy converters, focusing on hydrodynamics and wave interactions, which has been less explored in prior research.

Findings

Partially standing waves form in front of the device due to wave reflection.

Rotating movements of the device influence wave patterns.

Numerical model effectively simulates wave-device hydrodynamics.

Abstract

Ocean wave energy is a new renewable energy resource which is going to become one of the reliable and alternative resources for fossil fuels during recent decades. The majority of studies have focused on extract wave energy at an effective rate; whilst, there are a few studies to explore the hydrodynamic of wave and surge wave energy converters. In this study a 2D numerical model based on RANS equations is closured with SST turbulence model employed to simulate the hydrodynamic of the flap type wave energy devices. The results indicate that a partially standing wave induced by the interaction of incident and reflected waves occurs in front of device due to its rotating movements.