Experimental study on the motions of a dual chamber floating oscillating water column device

• Published in: Renewable energy 2021-06, Vol.170, p.1257-1274
• Main Authors: Gadelho, J.F.M., Rezanejad, K., Xu, S., Hinostroza, M., Guedes Soares, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dual chamber; Dynamic response characteristics; Experimental study; Floating oscillating water column; Motion and air pressure analysis
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.01.135

The hydrodynamics and the motions of a novel dual chamber floating oscillating water column device are studied experimentally. This novel wave energy converter consists of the combination of two already known concepts into a single floating structure: An oscillating water column and a backward bend duct buoy. The surge, heave, and pitch response amplitude operators of the floating device are determined and the impact of the chambers damping conditions on the model motions is evaluated. The results show that in surge motion, the natural frequency is much lower than the generated waves and in some cases the device travels towards the incident wave (initial negative drift) due to negative drift forces. The free surface elevations and air pressures inside the chambers are studied and their correlation with the motion of the device has been explored. Results of the amplitude of the free surface elevations inside the chambers show that the device can amplify it up to 2 times the incident wave height. The experimental data presented here can be used on the verification and validation of numerical models that deal with similar floating devices. •The hydrodynamics of a Novel Dual Chamber Floating Oscillating Water Column Device (FOWC) are studied experimentally.•The surge, heave, and pitch RAOs of the FOWC and the impact of the damping conditions on the motions are evaluated.•The free surface elevations and pressures inside the chambers and their correlation with the motion of the device are studied.•The free surface elevations inside the chambers show that they can be amplified up to 2 times.