Hydrodynamic performance of a Comb-Type Breakwater-WEC system: An analytical study. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Xuanlie; Zhang, Yang; Li, Mingwei; Johanning, Lars
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 159(2020)
• Page Start: 33
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Comb-type breakwater -- Wave energy converter -- Energy conversion efficiency -- Transmission coefficient -- Wave resonance -- Analytical investigation; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.05.100
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: A breakwater-WEC system combining heaving body Wave Energy Converters (WEC) and Comb-Type Breakwater (CTB) was investigated. The traditional CTB consists of a distributed array of separated bottom-mounted caissons and wave chambers are located between two caissons. Heaving bodies provide the power take off (PTO) principles that are arranged at the wave chamber of the CTB. The interaction of the CTB and WEC was investigated based on the linear potential flow theory. An analytical model has been developed to examine the hydrodynamic performance of CTB-WEC system. The analytical model is validated with results from an experimental study. Results show that an increase in conversion efficiency is observed when the device is located in the aft end of the wave chamber. A high efficiency (i.e., 77.4%) and qualified wave attenuation performance of the integrated system are achieved for the proposed CTB-WEC system. The wave resonance along the incident wave direction in the wave chamber is beneficial for wave energy capturing. Furthermore, it was found that the critical value k c corresponds to the wave resonance, perpendicular to the incident wave direction, out of the wave chamber. The property of efficiency mitigation at regions of k > k c should be avoided while designing such a system. Highlights: Theoretical model was built to examine the performance of a CTB-WEC system. Hydrodynamic interactions of the CTB and WEC were revealed. Wave resonance in the wave chamber of the CTB is beneficial for wave energy capture.