Experimental Investigation of Wave Loads on U-OWC Breakwater

A small-scale field experiment was conducted on a U-OWC incorporated into caisson breakwater at the NOEL laboratory of Reggio Calabria (Italy). The U-Oscillating Water Column (U-OWC) or REWEC (REsonant Wave Energy Converter) is device belonging to family OWCs. Such very innovative, being able absorb high percentage incoming sea waves energy and produce electrical power via proper PTO. focus paper has been analysis impact wave loads acting modified structure during extreme events. total 250 records pure wind were analyzed verify behaviors operating conditions. occurrence both “quasi-standing wave” due non-breaking “impulsive loads”, exerted by breaking against model, observed. Then, Goda’s model applied predict pressure distribution external wall pneumatic chamber, theoretical results compared those obtained experiment.