CFD-based optimization of a two-body hinged raft wave energy converter

The optimization of two-body hinged raft wave energy converters (WECs) is a key step for efficient energy production from renewable sources. For this reason, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation is a suitable tool due to the ability to simulate nonlinear waves and nonlinear wave-structure interaction. Therefore, nonlinear effects such as slamming, overtopping and suction effect can be taken into account.

Several simulations have been conducted to show the absorbed power and capture width ratio (CWR) of a model-scale raft-type WEC with the variation of device mass, center of mass, distance between the barges and geometry. Latter means that the width of the device and the size of a water insulator skirt has been varied. Furthermore, flow visualizations will be presented to interpret the effect of the geometry variation on the flow pattern.

Arrays of devices have also been simulated and the appropriate distance between them will be shown for the highest absorbed power and CWR. These results contribute to explore the highest CWR and lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for wave energy converters.