JEMS Maritime Sci. Ahead of Print: JEMS-04764

Hydrodynamic Response of Hybrid FOWC–BBDB Wave Energy Converters Using SPH

Manimaran Renganathan
Vellore Institute of Technology Chennai

To evaluate the longevity and performance of point absorber wave energy converters (WECs), it is crucial to understand their response in extreme sea conditions. However, data on their hydrodynamic behavior under such stresses is limited. In this study, small-scale experiments using Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)-generated focused waves were performed. These focused waves interacted with a hybrid WEC setup—combining a floating Oscillating Water Column (OWC) and a BBDB—with a point absorber to analyze their mutual effects. Numerical validation against laboratory measurements shows free-surface elevation and pressure discrepancies below 5%, confirming model accuracy. Under hybrid operation, device placement significantly influences efficiency: positioning the system at the front of the wave tank increases the capture width ratio (CWR) by 16.9%, while irregular waves enhance CWR by an additional 7.1% compared to regular waves. Irregular wave conditions generate up to 40% larger sway amplitudes, whereas heave responses of FOWC and BBDB differ by less than 10%. Pitch motions exhibit resonance-driven amplification reaching 25% above regular-wave levels. Wave-induced forces are dominated by the x-direction, exceeding y-direction forces by more than an order of magnitude. Results highlight the enhanced energy capture and dynamic stability of hybrid WEC configurations.

Keywords: Oscillating Water Column, Back-bent Duct Buoy, Hybrid configuration, Performance, Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics, Regular Wave, Irregular Waves

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