The Influence of Wave Characteristics, Tides, and Installation Conditions of L-Shaped OWC Wave Energy Converter on Energy Absorption Capability

Abstract

The investigation with a numerical study examines how water conditions, including wave height and period, tidal variations, and the depth of the L-OWC device, impact wave energy generation. Utilizing the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations and the RNG turbulence model, the second-order Stokes wave motion is simulated. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method with two fluids captures the free surface elevation. The purpose of this study is to investigate how various wave condition parameters, tidal effects, and water depth conditions of an L-OWC device can effect water oscillations within the chamber, airflow velocity in the turbine duct, and the differential pressure in the L-OWC device chamber. Findings highlight the significant influence of wave characteristics, tides, and deployment depth on L-OWC performance. The heightened water surface oscillation in the L-OWC chamber has led to higher air flow velocity and differential pressure, resulting in increased power. Optimal performance was observed with longer wave periods, notably under High Water Levell (HWL) and the water depth at the device installation is 0.85 cm (D085) conditions, yielding 337 watts of power output, in tests at a laboratory scale of 1:10.