Hydrodynamic Analysis of Some Wave-Energy Conversion Systems

A general formulation of the hydromechanic problem of floating as well as bottom-mounted structures with oscillating water column devices is given here. Three types of first-order boundary-value problems are investigated, the volume flow through the OWC device is considered including the turbine characteristics. The boundary-value problems are solved using the macroelement technique for both arbitrary cross-sections and for vertical bodies of revolution. Numerical results from the analysis of some of the most relevant concepts are presented.