Development of a test set-up to measure large wave-by-wave overtopping masses

Abstract

Overtopping wave energy converters (OWECs) are based on waves running up a slope and overtopping into a reservoir that is emptied into the sea through turbines, generating electricity. The reservoir functions as a buffer for the irregular wave input by keeping a constant water level in the reservoir. This is achieved through an adaptive control of the turbines requiring the prediction of the water mass entering the reservoir wave-by-wave. An experimental test setup has been designed that is able to measure large individual overtopping masses accurately to support the development of a prediction tool for non-floating sloped OWECs with a slope extending to the sea bottom.