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Midfidelity Model Verification for a Point-Absorbing Wave Energy Converter with Linear Power Takeoff: Preprint

Conference ·
OSTI ID:1826293

In the preliminary design stage of a wave energy converter (WEC), fast and reliable simulation tools are required. High-fidelity numerical models are usually employed to study the wave-structure interaction, yet the computational cost is demanding. Instead, mid-fidelity models provide simulations in the order of real time. In this study, Uppsala University WEC operates in a relatively mild sea state and is modeled using WEC-Sim. The model is verified based on OpenFOAM simulations. To analyze the ability of mid-fidelity model to capture the WEC dynamics, the system is investigated separately in 1, 2 and 3 DoF. The contribution of viscous phenomena is examined. Moreover, linear and weakly non-linear solutions provided by WEC-Sim are studied. The results obtained indicate that the viscous effects in heave and surge motion can be neglected but not for the pitch. The weakly non-linear WEC-Sim solution successfully agrees with the CFD, whereas the linear solution could drive to misleading results.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Water Power Technologies Office (EE-4W)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1826293
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP-5700-78569; MainId:32486; UUID:d1703e7e-f268-471b-80fc-4c4529bf6a49; MainAdminID:61837
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English