Work

Fifth order cnoidal waves interaction with an oscillating water column wave energy converter device

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the present research, the interaction of fifth-order Cnoidal ocean waves with an oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter device is studied. The numerical simulation is conducted with the nonlinear RANS model and the SST k − ω turbulence model using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based tool ANSYS Fluent software. Both the cases of incompressible and compressible airflows are considered. The interface of the two-phase fluid flows in the computational domain is tracked by implementing the VOF method. The propagation of the Cnoidal wave is generated using open channel wave settings. The present computational investigation is carried out for the four distinct wave heights, to analyse the hydrodynamic response of the OWC device. The novelty of this work lies in the application of fifth-order Cnoidal wave theory to analyze the nonlinear wave interactions with an OWC device, and in the combined 2D-3D approach that enables the detailed evaluation of the OWC performance. Unlike previous studies that focus primarily on linear or second-order wave theories, the present study captures the higher-order nonlinear effects, including vortex formations, pressure distributions, air flow rate, and energy dissipation. The 3D results including lateral wave spreading, complex vortex dynamics, and spanwise variations of the turbulent eddy dissipation, provides a better realistic analysis. The findings reveal that maximum efficiency occurs for moderate values of the water depth to incident wavelength ratio. Further, the efficiency is overestimated in the range of 15 % − 80 % for the case of incompressible fluid when compared with a compressible fluid case. Further, the efficiency drops between 45% to 60% for the 3D model as compared to the 2D model. These findings highlights the critical role of 3D modeling and air compressibility in appropriately examining the realistic performance of the OWC devices. • Performance of an OWC Device under fifth order Cnoidal waves is studied. • Nonlinear RANS model and the SST k- ω turbulence model are used for modeling. • Both the cases of incompressible and compressible air flows are considered. • Maximum efficiency occurs for moderate water depth to incident wavelength ratio. • Efficiency overestimated 15%-80% for incompressible compared to compressible fluid.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107828

Authors: Amya Ranjan Ray, Parothidil Anjusree Krishnan, Santanu Koley

Institutions: Birla Institute of Technology and Science - Hyderabad Campus, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani

Language: English

Topic: Wave and Wind Energy Systems

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940