Numerical investigation of distance effect between two Searasers for hydrodynamic performance

Abstract

Nowadays, researchers are interested in investigation of the ocean wave energy conversion (OWEC) because this device can convert wave energy into electricity economically. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel ocean wave energy converter named Searaser which may be capable of being used in the Caspian Sea. One of the ways for improving the efficiency of Searasers is to use numerous Searasers simultaneously. Increasing the number of Searasers not only increases the electricity production but also can help producing more stable electricity. In this article the function of two Searasers three different distances (10, 15 and 20 m) was evaluated numerically by solving momentum and continuity equations in unsteady condition by FLOW-3D software. The effect of different wave heights of Caspian Sea was also investigated in this research. To evaluate the numerical results of this research, they were also compared with experimental results of modeling a buoy and showed good agreement. For the three mentioned distances of buoys, the outlet flow rate and the buoys movement were measured. The results showed that when the buoys were 15 m far from each other, the hydrodynamic performance was better and the outlet flow rate and electricity generation showed less fluctuation.