Computational fluid dynamic simulation of hull reservoir wave energy device

Abstract

This paper presents a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of a wave energy device called the Hull Reservoir Wave Energy Converter (HRWEC). The device consists of a floating hull and a flap connected to the shaft of power take-off system (PTO), which is integral to the hull structure. It is unique due to its ability to convert wave energy by utilizing the pitch motion of the hull and rotating flap due to the internal water movement in the hull. Due to the complexity of the internal fluid dynamics, a CFD-based analysis was considered most appropriate. The CFD investigation of the dynamics of the device was done under regular wave conditions by using the ANSYS-AQWA and ANSYS FLUENT. Relative pitch angle variation, the hydrodynamic coefficients, which determine the degree of power extraction, were obtained from simulated results. A simulation was designed exhibiting complete system dynamics for different configurations varying on internal water height. Excellent convergence was observed, and an optimum configuration was identified. It is expected to validate the simulation results through experiments in the foreseeable future.