Numerical study of a Wave Energy Converter located in front of a vertical breakwater

Paul Tournant (1) , Gaële Perret (1) , Sixtine Neuvéglise (1) , François Marin (1) , Hassan Smaoui (2, 3) , Philippe Sergent (2)

1 LOMC - Laboratoire Ondes et Milieux Complexes
2 Cerema - Centre d'Etudes et d'Expertise sur les Risques, l'Environnement, la Mobilité et l'Aménagement
3 Roberval - Roberval

We consider the numerical modelling of a quayside WEC (Wave Energy Converter) using OpenFOAM. The numerical model uses sliding interfaces with moving mesh and waveFoam's method to generate and absorb wave reflection. Water overtoppings over the wall and RAO (Ratio Amplitude Response) results are investigated. The influence of clearence distance and the buoy draft is studied. The numerical model is validated by comparing the results with experimental data and analytical results using a linear potential model. We observed a good correlation between experimental and numerical results. Overtoppings decrease and RAO values increase when the clearance distance is decreased.

Keywords: CFD; OpenFOAM; vertical wall; Wave Energy Converter

Domains: Engineering Sciences [physics]

Paul Tournant, Gaële Perret, Sixtine Neuvéglise, François Marin, Hassan Smaoui, et al.. Numerical study of a Wave Energy Converter located in front of a vertical breakwater. EWTEC | European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference 2021, Sep 2021, Plymouth, United Kingdom. ⟨hal-03487073⟩