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Development of WEC Design Loads: A Comparison of Numerical and Experimental Approaches: Preprint

Conference ·
OSTI ID:1572263
The development of accurate design loads is a critical part of the design of a wave energy converter (WEC). In this paper, we evaluate the impact of different approaches to determining extreme wave loading on the Triton WEC using a combination of mid-fidelity and high-fidelity numerical modeling tools, complemented by scaled physical model tests. The mid-fidelity approach used is a time-domain model based on linearized potential flow hydrodynamics while the high-fidelity modeling tool is an unsteady RANS CFD model. A 1:30 scale physical model of the Triton WEC was tested at the Oregon State University Large Wave Flume. A comparison will be presented between the design loads predicted by the mid-fidelity model, the CFD model, and the physical model tests, and suggestions for best practices will be offered.
Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Wind and Water Technologies Office (EE-4W)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308;
OSTI ID:
1572263
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP-5000-73582
Conference Information:
Presented at the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference, 1-6 September 2019, Napoli, Italy
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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