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The hydrodynamic performance of an integrated semi-submersible platform with wave energy converters: a concept for multi-use platforms

To meet the increasing demand for energy and seafood, the development of offshore platforms that combine multiple functions within the same facility are being considered to extract energy from waves, tides and wind as a power source for marine aquaculture and other offshore infrastructure. In this paper, the hydrodynamic aspect of a floating column-stabilised platform integrated with oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converters was experimentally investigated at the Australian Maritime College’s Model Test Basin. The model was based on a previously tested platform with integrated Spar-buoy OWCs and accommodated a horizontal soft mooring system. The experimental set-up allowed for the measurement of wave elevation in-phase to the model and inside the OWC chamber, air-pressure in the forward and aft columns, mooring tension and motion response. The computation of the OWC efficiency was defined in terms of the capture width ratio, while response amplitude operators (RAO’s) were employed in the analysis of the maximum motion response. The peak hydrodynamic performance of the OWCs and maximum RAO motions did not align with either the pitch, heave or OWC moonpool resonant frequency. This outcome may be a result of coupling, as the pitch and heave decay tests identified nonlinear decay rates. From the measured time series of both wave elevation and air pressure inside the OWC chamber, there was evidence that water sloshing had occurred which may have affected the efficiency. The hydrodynamic performance of the forward and aft OWCs differed significantly, where the aft capture width ratio was reduced by 40% and the power absorbed reduced by 55% compared to the forward OWC. This performance response was likely to be affected by the disturbance of the wave field from the structure forward of the aft OWC. Further testing is required to investigate coupling and its effects on hydrodynamic performance.

History

Publication title

Proceedings of Australasian Coasts & Ports Conference 2019

Editors

G Macfarlane, G Colleter

Pagination

1-7

ISBN

978-1-925627-23-7

Department/School

Australian Maritime College

Publisher

Engineers Australia

Place of publication

Hobart, Australia

Event title

Australasian Coasts & Ports Conference 2019

Event Venue

Hobart, Australia

Date of Event (Start Date)

2019-09-10

Date of Event (End Date)

2019-09-13

Rights statement

Copyright unknown

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Wave energy; Climate change adaptation measures (excl. ecosystem)

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    University Of Tasmania

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