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Preliminary investigation on the use of tank wall reflections to model WEC array effects

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 23:29 authored by Brian Winship, Alan FlemingAlan Fleming, Irene PenesisIrene Penesis, Mark HemerMark Hemer, Gregor MacFarlaneGregor MacFarlane

The commercialisation of wave energy converters (WECs) is certain to require the deployment of multiple units in arrays. The collocation of WEC units into an array will lead to hydrodynamic interactions collectively referred to as array effects. Understanding these effects is important for successful developments, concerning energy capture and government approval. To better understand array effects physical experiments and numerical modelling can be completed prior to field deployments.

This work explores utilising the reflections from walls to simulate array effects. Including the application and assessment of stereo-videogrammetry for experiments and numerical modelling with Nemoh, a linear potential flow solver. The investigation uses a cylinder fixed in the centre of a wave flume to simulate wave scattering, a component of the hydrodynamics of WECs. The stereo-videogrammetry method uses small buoyant wax particles so that the free surface can be mapped with software from LaVision.

It is s

hown that the stereo-videogrammetry approach applied is able to accurately measure water waves; however there are challenges associated to higher steepness waves and the resulting drift of surface particles. Both the experimental and numerical investigations show great potential in the use of wall reflections to model array effects and correlate well.

History

Publication title

Ocean Engineering

Volume

164

Pagination

388-401

ISSN

0029-8018

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd

Place of publication

The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1Gb

Rights statement

Copyright 2018 Elsevier Ltd.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Wave energy

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