Thesis

Numerical investigation of the performance of WEC integrated with vertical wall using CFD

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2024
Thesis identifier
  • T16965
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201760537
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • As the global demand for sustainable and clean energy continues to rise in the face of a rapidly changing climate, the imperative to harness power from the ocean becomes increasingly apparent. In this thesis, Wave Energy Converters (WECs) assume a pivotal role, and researchers have undertaken extensive investigations into various methodologies aimed at optimizing their efficiency. The thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of the synergistic impact that arises from the integration of latching control and coastal structures, specifically focusing on a vertical wall, to enhance the performance of a Wavestar-like WEC. Drawing upon an extensive literature review, this study endeavours to elucidate how the coupling of WECs with coastal structures can yield substantial cost savings while simultaneously offering the dual benefits of energy production and coastal protection. To systematically analyse the influence of vertical walls, variations in Power Take-Off (PTO) damping coefficients, and the implementation of latching control on WEC performance across different wave conditions, the research employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Furthermore, the proposed CFD model is subjected to a comparison with other published data, undergoing processes to ensure the reliability and validity of the numerical simulation. The results showed that the presence of a vertical wall contributes a significant improvement in the Capture Width Ratio (CWR) of the WEC, particularly when it is considered within the natural period of the WEC. Furthermore, the application of latching control showed significant improvements in the WEC's performance, particularly in longer wave periods. However, it is important to note that the impact of the vertical wall becomes less pronounced as wave periods increase. This research significantly enhances the understanding of WEC dynamics and offers insights for maximising power extraction efficiency under various wave conditions. Consequently, these findings serve as a robust foundation for a numerical simulation model of WEC systems, including numerical PTO model and latching control.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Incecik, A.
  • Tezdogan, Tahsin
Resource Type
DOI

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