Experimental Proof-of-Concept of a Hybrid Wave Energy Converter Based on Oscillating Water Column and Overtopping Mechanisms

This paper presents the results of laboratory tests on a hybrid wave energy converter concept, O2WC (Oscillating-Overtopping Water Column) device. The proposed device aims at providing an alternative to classical OWC storing part highly energetic sea states in second chamber atmospheric pressure, through overtopping phenomena. In this way, maximum airflow rate and air pressure are reduced, possibly aiding safe functioning turbine, allowing exploit excess instead dissipating it by-pass valves. performance is investigated under different incident conditions, for design parameters. height threshold from which allows maximize has been selected. Results show that decrease primary conversion efficiency component caused by decreased can be partially compensated additional stored Overall, studied capture width ratio values ranging between 0.3 0.7.