Numerical simulation for evaluation of primary energy conversion of floating OWC-type wave energy converter

Abstract

In order to design a floating OWC-type wave energy converter such as Backward Bent Duct Buoy (BBDB) optimally, it is necessary to develop the numerical method in time domain considering motions of BBDB, air flow in air chamber and rotation of air turbine and mooring system in waves. In this paper, as the first step to develop this numerical method, firstly, equations of motion of a floating OWC-type wave energy converter in waves using the impulse response matrix by body velocity and air pressure in air chamber are shown. Secondly, calculation results in frequency domain by 3D boundary element method for a diffraction problem and radiation problems by forced motion with unit body velocity and unit air pressure in air chamber for BBDB are shown. Experiments on exciting forces and radiation forces for heave and pitch mode are also carried out and calculation results are compared with experimental results. Copyright © 2009 by The International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers (ISOPE).