On the Development of a Near-Shore Pivoting Wave Energy Converter

Gianmaria Giannini (), Esmaeil Zavvar (), Victor Ramos, Tomás Calheiros-Cabral, Isabel Iglesias, Francisco Taveira-Pinto and Paulo Rosa-Santos ()
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Gianmaria Giannini: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Esmaeil Zavvar: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Victor Ramos: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Tomás Calheiros-Cabral: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Isabel Iglesias: Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto (CIIMAR), 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Francisco Taveira-Pinto: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Paulo Rosa-Santos: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-22

Abstract: Numerous offshore wave energy converter (WEC) designs have been invented; however, none has achieved full commercialization so far. The primary obstacle impeding WEC commercialization is the elevated levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Consequently, there exists a pressing need to innovate and swiftly diminish the LCOE. A critical challenge faced by WECs is their susceptibility to extreme wave loads during storms. Promising concepts must demonstrate robust design features to ensure resilience in adverse conditions, while maintaining efficiency in harnessing power under normal sea states. It is anticipated that the initial commercial endeavors will concentrate on near-shore WEC technologies due to the cost advantages associated with proximity to the coastline, facilitating more affordable power transmission and maintenance. In response, this manuscript proposes a pioneering near-shore WEC concept designed with a survivability mode that is engineered to mitigate wave loads during severe sea conditions. Moreover, prior investigations have highlighted favorable resonance properties of this novel concept, enhancing wave power extraction during recurrent energetic sea states. This study employs numerical and physical modelling techniques to evaluate wave loads on the proposed WEC. The results indicate a remarkable 65% reduction in wave loads on the moving floater of the WEC during a range of sea states under the implemented survivability mode.

Keywords: marine energy; wave energy; WEC; close-to-shore device; experimental testing; physical modelling; numerical modelling; wave load assessment; survivability; rotating wave energy converter (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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