Wave power absorption capability of a multi-resonant double chamber oscillating water column device

Abstract

The reduction of the greenhouse gas emission generated through the usage of fossil fuel has become quite vital forcing us to look for alternative renewable energy sources. Among the renewable energy sources, ocean wave energy looks promising leading to worldwide involvement of researchers in the refinements of a number of the concepts. The conversion of energy available in ocean waves requires an interface device to interact with the kinetic and kinematic phenomena under the waves. These devices are known as wave energy converters (WECS). Among the available WECS oscillating water column (OWC) stands out as one of most promising concept. Though the OWC concept has emerged from laboratory model type to prototype plant, the high cost of production makes it less attractive in commercialism. This necessitates further refinement in the configuration of OWC concept to make it more attractive leading to economically competent. This can be achieved either by improving the efficiency or by integrating it with coastal protective breakwaters, viz., offshore detached breakwaters. The double chamber oscillating water is an innovative concept which can bring forth both efficiency and additional stability once it becomes an integral part of coastal breakwater. This system captures the high magnitude of dynamic pressure as the excitation force for the oscillation inside the OWC. The trajectory of flow pattern can provide additional vertical load which will enhance the stability factor of the breakwater. In this paper the wave power absorption capacity of a 1:20 scale physical model under varying regular wave characteristics is reported. In this insightful study the objective assessment over the hydrodynamic performance reveals the parametric influence over wave power absorption capacity of the device. © 2014 Penerbit UTM Press. All rights reserved.