Numerical assessment of the hydrodynamic behavior of a wave energy converter

Dynamic Wave Energy Converter WEC models utilize a wide variety of fundamental hydrodynamic theories. When incorporating novel hydrodynamic theories into numerical models, there are distinct impacts on WEC rigid body motions, cable dynamics, and final power production. Alternative energy sources address concerns about fossil fuels such as environmental degradation, public health, and finite energy source. Compared to wind and solar powers, wave power has a higher energy density and is easier to forecast. However, the non-linear, complex, and turbulent nature of oceans necessitates a more in-depth flow field analysis before the deployment of wave energy converters (WECs). This research explores the performance of a two-point body absorber WEC using STAR-CCM+. RM۳ is the abbreviation for reference model. Three scalded RM۳ models: ۵۰th, ۱۰۰th, and ۲۰۰th, were studied. The developed CFD model based on the volume of fluid (VOF) Eulerian multiphase flow was initially validated with published computational and experimental literature. The realizable κ-ε turbulence model was employed to study the effects of ocean wave turbulence. The validated model was used to study the generated ۵th order approximation Stokes wave on the RM۳. The grid analysis, using cell sizes ranging from ۲.۸ million to ۹.۴ million, verified the appropriate mesh resolution of ۷.۲ million on the floating part of the RM۳. The main challenges faced during the computational domain setup such as free-surface mesh refinement, boundary conditions, preventing wave reflection, and scaling the model are elaborated and appropriate solutions are stated.

کلیدواژه ها:

Wave energy converter ، CFD ، STAR-CCM+ ، energy source ، ocean wave