Improving WEC Power Performance through Wave Channel Optimisation Approaches

In recent years, research progress in the wave energy sector has been accelerated due to global commitments to net-zero targets. However, the design process of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) still faces various challenges. Mocean Energy is a company designing and developing innovative WECs. The Mocean WEC devices are hinged-rafts with wave channels attached at both ends. The addition of these channels provides a substantial performance uplift compared to a simple hinge raft geometry.
This research focuses on the wave channel optimisation using the low fidelity Boundary Element Method (BEM) code WAMIT. Subsequently, higher fidelity models such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools will be used to verify the results of the optimisation using the ARCHIE-WeSt facility.
CFD simulations will be performed on 3D hinged-raft geometries with various designs of wave channels using dynamic meshing methods under various wave conditions. The movements will be restricted to planar motion. Forces, pitching moments, and various dynamic properties will be obtained. The results output from CFD simulations will be compared to those evaluated using BEM methods, as well as tank testing results. Finally, the validity of the optimisation results will be established based on these findings, optimum wave channel geometries will be determined.

For more information about the project contact Dr Laibing Jia (l.jia@strath.ac.uk) Chancellor’S Fellowship at the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde,

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