Hydrodynamic performance analysis of a new hybrid wave energy converter system using OpenFOAM

In this research study, a newly proposed hybrid device of Wave Energy Converters (WEC) is investigated by considering computational fluid dynamic (CFD)-based numerical wave tanks (NWTs). The open-source CFD code solver, OpenFOAM (Open Field Operation and Manipulation) is implemented, which is numerically solved the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations to simulate the two-phase flow. The hybrid system consists of an Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and a point absorber (Wavestar) device installed in a shared platform. The main goal is to recognize how wave diffractions caused by the adjacent floating body could affect the rate of power absorption by the Fixed-OWC. This aim is followed by a 2D numerical analysis of three different installation configurations, variable intervals between the Wavestars' buoy and the Fixed-OWCs' front wall, in four different wavelengths with and without Power Take-Off (PTO). Finally, the efficiency characteristics of the integrated system such as free surface velocity and air pressure within the chamber, besides floating body motions are investigated and compared for the hybrid system. Although the overall assessment for 28 different case studies reveals an efficiency reduction in some cases, the superiority of this hybrid plan is recording several incremental efficiency rates.