Numerical Simulation and Performance Characterization of Two Wave Energy Converters

This research consists of the numerical model development and simulation of two prototype Wave Energy Convertor designs (WECs) across three simulation types. The first design is an oscillating body WEC called the Platypus designed to capture wave energy as three paddle arms actuate over the surface of the waves. The second design is an overtopping type WEC called the ROOWaC which captures and drains entrained water to generate power. Modeling of these systems was conducted using two techniques: the Morison load approach implemented using hydrodynamic response coefficients used to model the Platypus and a boundary element method (BEM) frequency-domain approach to model both WEC designs in the time domain. The BEM models included the development of hydrodynamic response coefficients using a discretized panel mesh of the system for calculation of added mass, excitation, and radiation forces. These three model families provided both performance predictions and power output information to WEC developers that supply important data for future full-scale designs. These models were used to predict power generation estimates for both WECs as follows: the Platypus WEC was predicted to have a maximum efficiency range between 14.5-35% and the ROOWaC WEC was predicted to generate a maximum peak average power of 19 W upon preliminary results.