CROSS-SECTIONAL SHAPE DESIGN OF OWC CHAMBER OF WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER APPLICABLE TO BREAKWATER

Abstract

In this study, an optimal cross sectional chamber shape of oscillation water column wave energy converter is designed by using time domain analysis of potential flow. The damping effect of free surface in chamber is considered in potentialflow analysis. In order to validate the analysis results, it was compared with the results of the two dimensional wave flume experiment. The performance of the chamber was evaluated by using the estimated power generation at the turbine ofthe wave energy converter. In order to evaluate the performance of oscillation water column chamber, it is assumed that the volume change of the water column in the chamber induces airflow, and the power of turbine is estimated using this airflow. This oscillating water column wave energy converter is intended to be installed on a breakwater at a specific location. Therefore, performance evaluation is performed with consideration of the wave and tidal conditions of the site.