Section: New Results

Wave energy conversion hydrodynamics

Participants : Umberto Bosi, Mario Ricchiuto [Corresponding member] .

We have developed a prototype spectral element solver four a coupled set of differential equations modelling wave propagation (so-called outer domain), and the submerged flow under a floating body (inner domain). Both systems of equations are depth-averaged (Boussinesq type) systems involving some dispersive terms. They are further coupled to a force balance providing a (system of) ODE(s) for the floater. This model constitutes an intermediate fidelity approximation for the hydrodynamics of a wave energy converter. Differently from all industrial state of the art, it is a (fully) nonlinear model. However, its cost is extremely low when compared to full three-dimensional CFD analyses, due to the dimensional reduction brought from the depth averaged modelling. This year we have shown the potential of this Boussinesq-type model to predict the hydrodynamics of a floater in a siplified case [97] , [98] (journal version to appear on J. Ocean Eng. and Marine Energy). This result paves the way to the construction of new medium fidelity models to be used in the optimization of converters. This will be achieved in the framework of the MIDWEST project funded this year under the EU OCEANEranet call.