Experimental investigation into the hydrodynamic performance of a TLP-OWC device

Model testing was conducted to investigate the feasibility of a Tension Leg Platform concept for an Oscillating Water Column (TLP-OWC) wave energy converter device. The tested TLP-OWC model was loosely based on a previously tested fixed OWC model modified to accommodate a tension leg mooring system. The designed experimental set-up allowed for the measurements of wave elevation in-phase to the model and inside the OWC chamber, OWC chamber air-pressure, impact wave pressure acting on the front wall, tendon dynamic response and the motion response. The Response Amplitude Operators (RAO’s) were employed in the analysis of the maximum motion response and tendon dynamic response of the model. From the attained results, the experimental investigation determined that the TLP-OWC is a promising concept in pushing OWC wave energy converters offshore. However, further hydrodynamic testing is required to test the global performance of the TLP-OWC in irregular wave conditions.