Author(s): Lachlan Hick; Danica Tothova; Richard Manasseh; S. A. Sannasiraj

Linked Author(s): Sannasi Annamalaisamy Sannasiraj

Keywords: Oscillating water column entrance rounded

Abstract: A laboratory-experimental study was conducted on modifications to the entrance of the simplest possible geometry of an oscillating water column, which is a type of ocean wave-energy converter. The aim was to assess engineering-design modifications that could affect energy losses. Wave-energy converters are used to extract renewable energy from ocean waves, and also to protect coasts by reducing wave impacts on coastal environments and infrastructure. Waves were generated in a flume with realistic steepnesses and the amplitude of resonant water motion outside and inside an oscillating water column was measured with capacitance probes. The radius of curvature of the water column entrance was varied from sharp-edged to highly rounded using 3D-printed attachments. Preliminary findings suggest that the energy removed from waves could be greatly increased for the most highly rounded design operating in fairly steep waves, and increased further for operations in low-steepness waves. Rounded entrances, while more complex to construct, could therefore offer significant benefits in power generation and coastal protection.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-6009-1_49

Year: 2022