Power absorption by arrays of interacting vertical axisymmetric wave-energy devices

• Published in: Journal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering
• Main Authors: Mavrakos, SA, Kalofonos, A
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: ASME-AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENG 1997
• Subjects: Wave Energy; Engineering; Ocean; Mechanical; Energy absorption; Evaluation; Hydrodynamics; Optimization; Water wave effects; Wave power; Wave energy devices; Wave energy conversion; Arctic
• Online Access: http://dspace.lib.ntua.gr/handle/123456789/12403; https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2829103

The paper deals with the evaluation of the optimum wave-power absorption characteristics of arrays of interacting wave-energy devices. The hydrodynamic interference effects among the devices are exactly accounted for using a method that can solve the problem to any desired accuracy. The method is based on single-body hydrodynamic characteristics that are properly combined through the physical idea of multiple scattering to account for interaction effects. Extensive numerical results for a variety of different array arrangements and individual device geometries are presented and comparisons are made to predictions based on approximate theories, the accuracy of which is critically assessed.