Control of rapid phase oscillations in the modelling of large wave energy arrays

• Several recently developed concepts for economically viable conversion of ocean wave energy are based on large arrays of point absorbers. Simulations of the hydrodynamic interactions between devices in wave energy parks provide guidelines for optimal configurations with regard to maximizing produced electricity while minimizing fluctuations and costs. Parameters that influence the performance include the geometrical lay-out of the park, the number of wave energy converters and their dimensions and separating distance, as well as the wave climate and the incoming wave spectral characteristics. However, the complexity of the simulations increases rapidly with growing number of interacting units, and simulations become a severe challenge that calls for new methods. Here we address the problem of rapid phase oscillations appearing in the simulation of large arrays of point absorbers using potential theory for the structure–fluid interaction. We do this by analytically integrating out the factors that are causing the oscillations. Our group has successfully utilized this method to model parks with up to 1000 point absorbers.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Energisystem (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Energy Systems (hsv//eng)

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Havs- och vattendragsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Ocean and River Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Wave Energy

Wave Farms

Potential Flow

Structure-fluid Interaction

Hydrodynamics

Engineering Science with specialization in Science of Electricity

Teknisk fysik med inriktning mot elektricitetslära

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)