Abstract
A number of wave energy device developers have now successfully tank-tested scale-model
prototypes and several are attempting full-scale deployment at sea [1]. Many believe the superior
survivability of simple, buoy-like designs make them the most economically viable solutions [2, 3].
Developers of so called ‘point-absorbers’ hope to install multiple devices in arrays, offering
considerable savings in terms of moorings, grid connections and maintenance. It is recognised that the
additional hydrodynamic interactions between devices, from scattered and radiated waves within the
array, can significantly alter the surface elevation and enhance the interaction factor, q, defined as the
ratio of power from the array to that from the same number of isolated devices [4-6]. In contrast to
traditional offshore structures, like floating platforms [7], enhancements due to these interactions
could have practical benefit in the effective design of wave energy converter (WEC) arrays [8].
However, these interactions depend on numerous system variables leading to a complex array transfer
function, referred to here as the Configuration Response Amplitude Operator (CRAO). There exists a
CRAO specific to each possible configuration, consisting of a set of q-factors which describe the
output of the array, compared to isolated devices, as a function of incident wave frequency and
direction. Research directly concerning WEC arrays has focussed primarily on optimal response;
however, there has been limited success in designing optimal array configurations over a range of
incident wave conditions. Some novel control methods have been suggested [9, 10] and this work
considers combining multiple oscillatory modes as one possible method, differing from the majority
of the literature which considers single mode oscillation only (usually heave).
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 0 |
Journal | Default journal |
Volume | 0 |
Issue number | 0 |
Publication status | Published - 25 Apr 2012 |
Event | in Proceeding of the 27th International Workshop on Water Waves and Floating Bodies, - Copenhagen, Denmark Duration: 22 Apr 2012 → 25 Apr 2012 |