Influence of Power Take-Off Modelling on the Far-Field Effects of Wave Energy Converter Farms

The study of the potential impact wave energy converter (WEC) farms on surrounding field at long distances from WEC farm location (also know as “far field” effects) has been a topic great interest in past decade. Typically, “far-field” effects have studied using phase average or resolving numerical models parametrization power absorption transmission coefficients. Most recent studies focused coupled between wave-structure interaction solver and wave-propagation model, which offer more complex accurate representation hydrodynamics PTO behaviour. difference results two aforementioned approaches not yet, nor how different ways modelling system can affect propagation lee farm. Coastal Engineering Research Group Ghent University developed both parameterized model sponge layer technique mild slope MILDwave MILDwave-NEMOH (NEMOH is boundary element method-based solver), for studying farms. objective present to perform comparison terms performance obtaining Results are given series regular conditions, demonstrating better accuracy disturbance coefficient (Kd) values around considered Subsequently, analysis extended influence by considering: (i) linear optimal, (ii) sub-optimal (iii) non-linear hydraulic system. It shown that optimal lead an unrealistic overestimation motions than heavily height large distance On contrary, leads similar, yet reduced height. systems’ shows when models, it necessary carefully behaviour they introduce substantial inaccuracies into WECs’ effects.