Numerical Modelling of Wave Energy Converters, 2016
Abstract This chapter describes the use of a phase-resolving wave propagation model, MILDwave (ba... more Abstract This chapter describes the use of a phase-resolving wave propagation model, MILDwave (based on the mild-slope equations), for assessing the park effect in arrays of wave energy converters (WECs) and the far-field wake effects of the arrays. The implementation of the WEC (array) is carried out using the numerical techniques of so-called sponge layers and wave generation along a circle, to simulate the physical process of energy absorption by the WEC, and the resulting wave transformation processes of reflection, diffraction, and radiation. A generic coupling methodology is presented for modelling accurately both the wave energy absorption by the WEC and the propagation of the perturbed wave field over larger distances, allowing the study of the coastal impact of arrays. The approach is applied in a practical situation to study the wave height reduction behind a single WEC and a farm of WECs, and advantages and limitations are discussed.
The shrinking reserves of fossil fuels in combination with the increasing energy demand have enha... more The shrinking reserves of fossil fuels in combination with the increasing energy demand have enhanced the interest in renewable energy sources, including wave energy. In order to extract a considerable amount of wave power, large numbers of Wave Energy Converters will have to be arranged in arrays or farms using a particular geometrical layout. The operational behaviour of a single device may have a positive or negative effect on the power absorption of the neighbouring WECs in the farm (near-field effects). Moreover, as a result of the interaction between the WECs within a farm, the overall power absorption and the wave climate in the lee of the WECs is modified, which may influence neighbouring farms, other users in the sea or even the coastline (far-field effects). Several numerical studies on large WEC arrays have already been performed, but large scale experimental studies on near-field and far-field wake effects of large WEC arrays are not available in literature. Within the H...
The initial Ostend harbour entrance at the North Sea coast of Belgium is being modified and exten... more The initial Ostend harbour entrance at the North Sea coast of Belgium is being modified and extended with two new rubble-mound breakwaters. Through an integrated study of the wave penetration in Ostend harbour, the waves are being acquired by prototype measurements and physical and numerical modelling is carried out. Two numerical models are used. SimWave is a numerical model based on Nwogu’s extended Boussinesq equations. The second numerical model is MILDwave, a mild-slope wave propagation model based on the equations of Radder and Dingemans. The present study concentrates on applications of the numerical models, throughout the different design stages and construction phases of the new breakwaters.
Numerical Modelling of Wave Energy Converters, 2016
Abstract This chapter describes the use of a phase-resolving wave propagation model, MILDwave (ba... more Abstract This chapter describes the use of a phase-resolving wave propagation model, MILDwave (based on the mild-slope equations), for assessing the park effect in arrays of wave energy converters (WECs) and the far-field wake effects of the arrays. The implementation of the WEC (array) is carried out using the numerical techniques of so-called sponge layers and wave generation along a circle, to simulate the physical process of energy absorption by the WEC, and the resulting wave transformation processes of reflection, diffraction, and radiation. A generic coupling methodology is presented for modelling accurately both the wave energy absorption by the WEC and the propagation of the perturbed wave field over larger distances, allowing the study of the coastal impact of arrays. The approach is applied in a practical situation to study the wave height reduction behind a single WEC and a farm of WECs, and advantages and limitations are discussed.
The shrinking reserves of fossil fuels in combination with the increasing energy demand have enha... more The shrinking reserves of fossil fuels in combination with the increasing energy demand have enhanced the interest in renewable energy sources, including wave energy. In order to extract a considerable amount of wave power, large numbers of Wave Energy Converters will have to be arranged in arrays or farms using a particular geometrical layout. The operational behaviour of a single device may have a positive or negative effect on the power absorption of the neighbouring WECs in the farm (near-field effects). Moreover, as a result of the interaction between the WECs within a farm, the overall power absorption and the wave climate in the lee of the WECs is modified, which may influence neighbouring farms, other users in the sea or even the coastline (far-field effects). Several numerical studies on large WEC arrays have already been performed, but large scale experimental studies on near-field and far-field wake effects of large WEC arrays are not available in literature. Within the H...
The initial Ostend harbour entrance at the North Sea coast of Belgium is being modified and exten... more The initial Ostend harbour entrance at the North Sea coast of Belgium is being modified and extended with two new rubble-mound breakwaters. Through an integrated study of the wave penetration in Ostend harbour, the waves are being acquired by prototype measurements and physical and numerical modelling is carried out. Two numerical models are used. SimWave is a numerical model based on Nwogu’s extended Boussinesq equations. The second numerical model is MILDwave, a mild-slope wave propagation model based on the equations of Radder and Dingemans. The present study concentrates on applications of the numerical models, throughout the different design stages and construction phases of the new breakwaters.
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Papers by V. Stratigaki