Experimental Investigations of Moored OWC Wave Energy Converters in Cyclonic Conditions: Survivability Versus Operational Performance

Eric Gubesch, Nagi Abdussamie (), Irene Penesis and Christopher Chin
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Eric Gubesch: Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
Nagi Abdussamie: Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
Irene Penesis: Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
Christopher Chin: Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 10, 1-37

Abstract: This study experimentally evaluates the survivability and hydrodynamic performance of a moored oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter (WEC) subjected to extreme cyclonic wave conditions emulating tropical cyclone Oma (2019). Laboratory tests recreated realistic cyclonic sea states using focused wave groups through the NewWave theory, combining singular and embedded focused waves within irregular seas to simulate extreme crests, troughs, and transient slamming events. Three mooring systems, including catenary, vertical-taut, and taut with 45° tendons, were tested to quantify their influence on structural response, chamber pressures, mooring tensions, and motion dynamics. The results revealed a critical trade-off: mooring configurations optimised for energy capture efficiency (e.g., taut systems) exhibited reduced survivability during extreme waves, while survivability-focused designs (e.g., catenary) compromised operational performance. Slamming pressures and transient loads were highly sensitive to wave group and mooring stiffness, with vertical taut systems experiencing the largest peak tensions. By integrating localised slamming pressure data with global mooring load measurements, this work provides a novel framework for balancing energy production and storm resilience in OWC design.

Keywords: wave energy converter; oscillating water column; mooring configurations; survivability; cyclonic waves; focused wave groups; slamming dynamics; experimental testing (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: 2025
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