Performance Analysis of Multiple Wave Energy Converters due to Rotor Spacing

Abstract

A numerical hydrodynamic performance analysis of the pitch-type multibody wave energy converter (WEC) is carried out based on both linear potential flow theory and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the unidirectional wave condition. In the present study, Salter's duck (rotor) is chosen for the analysis. The basic concept of the WEC rotor, which nods when the pressure-induced motions are in phase, is that it converts the kinetic and potential energies of the wave into rotational mechanical energy with the proper power-take-off system. This energy is converted to useful electric energy. The analysis is carried out using three WEC rotors. A multibody analysis using linear potential flow theory is performed using WAMIT (three-dimensional diffraction/radiation potential analysis program), and a CFD analysis is performed by placing three WEC rotors in a numerical wave tank. In particular, the spacing between the three rotors is set to 0.8, 1, and 1.2 times the rotor width, and the hydrodynamic interaction between adjacent rotors is checked. Finally, it is confirmed that the dynamic performance of the rotors slightly changes, but the difference due to the spacing is not noticeable. In addition, the CFD analysis shows a lateral flow phenomenon that cannot be confirmed by linear potential theory, and it is confirmed that the CFD analysis is necessary for the motion analysis of the rotor.