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In this paper, a concept of a floating elastic wave energy converter consisting of a disk-shaped elastic plate is proposed. The floating plate is moored to the seabed through a series of power take-off (PTO) units. A theoretical model based on the linear potential flow theory and eigenfunction matching method is developed to study the hydroelastic characteristics and evaluate wave power absorption of the device. The PTO system is simulated as a discrete PTO, and moreover, it is also modelled as a continuum PTO to represent the case when the PTO system is composed of a large number of PTO units. The continuum PTO approximation is tested against the discrete PTO simulation for accuracy. Two methods are proposed to predict the wave power absorption of the device. After running convergence analysis and model validation, the present model is employed to do a multiparameter impact analysis. The device adopting a continuum PTO system is found to capture wave power efficiently in an extensive range of wave frequencies. For the continuum PTO system, it is theoretically possible to adopt optimised PTO damper and stiffness/mass to guarantee the absorption of 100% of the energy flux available in one circular component of the plane incident wave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of offshore renewable energy, impermeable plates are used as underwater lenses to amplify the wave amplitude, and perforated plates can harness wave energy as a power takeoff device. Within the framework of the linear potential-flow theory, the water wave scattering by impermeable and perforated horizontal plates is investigated in the present study, and both circular and elliptical plates are considered. The hypersingular integral equation is constructed to model the interaction between water waves and plates of small thickness. For wave scattering by impermeable plates with the focus on wave amplification, wave interference effects due to multiple plates can be utilized to achieve large wave amplification. For perforated plates used for harnessing wave energy, deploying an array of elliptical plates is promising if the deployment line coincides with the major axis and the incident wave propagates along the minor axis. The study gives insight into harnessing energy from water waves by horizontal plates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of absorbing wave energy using a submerged balloon fixed to the sea bed is investigated. The balloon is in the form of a fabric encased within an array of meridional tendons which terminate at a point at the top of the balloon and at some radius at the bottom. The expansion and contraction of the balloon in waves pump air via a turbine into and out of a chamber of constant volume. A more refined model than that used by Kurniawan and Greaves [Proc. Second Offshore Energy and Storage Symp., 2015] predicts a similarly broad-banded response, but the maximum absorption is less than previously predicted. Both approaches are compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, wave power extraction from a floating Clam-type wave energy converter is investigated. The device is mainly composed of a Clam, which is formed from two pieces of floating flaps hinged at a submerged body. The Clam is closed by a flexible impermeable bag with the two hinged floating flaps kept apart by a Power Take-Off system. As waves propagate through the device, the Clam motion of the device is excited, which can be used to drive the Power Take-Off system to capture wave power. To evaluate the response and also the wave power absorption of the device, a mathematical model is developed based on the linear potential flow theory, in which a generalised mode method is adopted to model the Clam action. Theoretical expressions of the maximum wave power absorption and the corresponding optimised Power Take-Off system and mooring parameters are derived. Good agreement between the present numerical results of the device response and the physical observations is obtained. The validated model is then applied to do a series of case studies. It is revealed that the optimised Power Take-Off stiffness and mooring stiffness are independent of the Power Take-Off damping. The maximum wave power absorption can be achieved when the device is fixed in heave mode or free-floating without any constraints from the mooring system. • We developed a mathematical model to study the performance of a Clam-type device. • A generalised mode method was adopted to model the Clam action. • We derived the expressions of the maximum wave power output and the optimised PTO. • The numerical results agree well with the corresponding measured physical data. The optimised PTO stiffness and mooring stiffness are independent of the PTO damping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To efficiently utilize the abundant wave power in the ocean, it is necessary to deploy a wave farm. This paper considers a wave farm of oscillating water columns (OWCs) integrated into tubular structures. Each OWC device within the wave farm is constructed with a vertical tubular design, incorporating a partially open submerged side that faces the sea. At the top of each device, an air turbine is installed to harness the pneumatic power generated by incoming water waves. To assess the performance of the wave farm, an analytical model is developed using the eigenfunction matching method within the framework of linear potential flow theory. Subsequently, this model is utilized to assess the efficiency of two wave farm setups: a line array with varying numbers of devices and a square array consisting of four devices. When the openings of the OWC devices are deployed on the exterior side of the square array, the majority of the wave power captured by the wave farm is contributed by the windward OWC devices, over a wide range of wave conditions examined. However, when the openings are placed on the interior side of the square array, wave resonance among the OWC devices becomes a significant factor affecting the wave farm's performance. In this case, the leeward devices could capture more wave power compared to the windward ones. Large wave excitation forces acting on the OWC devices can be excited when the near-trapping of waves arises in a wave farm consisting of a circular array of OWC devices. The physical findings in this paper highlight the importance of the array configuration and opening arrangement for optimizing wave power extraction in wave farms. • We consider an array of oscillating water columns integrated into tubular structures. • An analytical model is developed to solve hydrodynamic problems. • We consider a line array of devices and a square array with four devices. • Windward devices capture most wave power in square array with exterior openings. • Wave resonance crucially impacts square array performance with interior openings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present method proposes the use and adaptation of ocean circulation models as an assessment tool framework for tidal current turbine (TCT) array layout optimization. By adapting both momentum and turbulence transport equations of an existing model, the present TCT representation method is proposed to extend the actuator disc concept to 3-D large-scale ocean circulation models. Through the reproduction of experimental flume tests and grid dependency tests, this method has shown its numerical coherence as well as its ability to simulate accurately both momentum and turbulent turbine-induced perturbations in both near and far wakes in a relatively short period of computation time. Consequently the present TCT representation method is a very promising basis for the development of a TCT array layout optimization tool. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Wave energy resources are huge and widely distributed all over the world. Wave energy converters (WECs) are employed to harness this energy. In this paper, a heaving point absorber WEC with three kinds of Power Take-Off (PTO) systems is investigated. A fully nonlinear numerical model of the WEC has been developed, taking into consideration viscosity. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis is performed in order to determine the quadratic viscous term coefficient. A physical model test has also been carried out and used to validate the numerical model. The response and energy capture characteristics of the WEC with various PTO systems are analyzed in both regular and irregular wave. The differences among the WECs with different PTOs are assessed. Finally, the annual wave power assessment and suggestions for optimizing the WEC in the real sea state are given. • The performance of the WEC are mainly analyzed under irregular wave condition. • The viscosity is taken into account using the Morison's equation and CFD method. • Data from the physical model test are used to calibrate the numerical model. • Different PTO models are applied to the point absorber WEC including a novel PTO system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating wave energy converters with marine structures such as breakwaters, piles, and offshore wind turbines offers benefits in terms of wave power extraction, construction costs, and survivability. In this paper, the integration of an oscillating water column(OWC) into a vertical tubular structure is considered. The OWC chamber is enclosed by the tubular-structure with its submerged side partially open to the sea. As ocean waves propagate through the device, an air turbine installed at the top of the chamber can be driven to extract wave power. An analytical model based on potential flow theory and the eigen-function matching method is developed to solve the wave scattering and radiation problems of the device in finite water depths. Wave excitation volume flux, hydrodynamic coefficients, optimal turbine damping and power capture factor are evaluated. Upon successful validation, the model is applied to investigate the effect of the radius and finite wall thickness of the tubular-structure, the size and position of the opening on wave power extraction. We find that a thinner chamber wall thickness offers benefits to wave power extraction in terms of a broader primary band of power capture factor response, and that a broader and higher capture factor band can be achieved by increasing the height of the vertical opening. • We develop an analytical model to study an OWC integrated into a tubular structure. • The OWC lateral opening can be applied at any position beneath the mean water level. • The new analytical model eliminates the need for the thin wall assumption. • The small wall thickness of the chamber offers benefits for wave power extraction. • Increasing height of the opening leads to a broader efficiency band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We propose a multi-oscillating water column (OWC) integrated platform. • We develop a semi-analytical model to evaluate hydrodynamics of the platform. • Wave power absorption and wave transmission of the multi-OWC platform are examined. • Small-draft front wall and large-draft back wall are beneficial for power absorption. • Platforms with inverse geometric constructions have the same transmission coefficient. A rectangular barge consisting of multiple oscillating water columns (OWCs) is considered in this paper, hereinafter referred to as a multi–OWC platform. Each OWC chamber is enclosed by two partially submerged vertical walls and the deck of the platform. An incident wave produces oscillation of the water column in each OWC chamber and hence air is pumped by the internal water surface to flow through a Wells turbine installed at the chamber top. The effect of the turbine is characterised as a linear power take–off (PTO) system. A semi–analytical model based on linear potential flow theory and the eigen–function expansion method is developed to solve the wave radiation and diffraction problems of the multi–OWC platform. The hydrodynamic coefficients evaluated with direct and indirect methods of the model are shown to be in excellent agreement, and the energy conservation relationship of the multi–OWC platform is satisfied. The validated model is then applied to predict wave motion, dynamic air pressure, wave power extraction, and wave reflection and transmission coefficients of the multi–OWC platform. The effects of the PTO strategies, the number of chambers, the overall platform dimensions and the relative dimensions of adjacent chambers on wave power extraction and wave attenuation are investigated. A smaller–draft front wall and a larger–draft back wall are found to be beneficial for broadening the range of high–efficiency performance of the platform. The same wave transmission coefficient can be obtained by two multi–OWC platforms with inverse geometric constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]