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CFD Study of a Novel Wave Energy Converter in Survival Mode

Cassandre Senocq (), Daniel Clemente, Mailys Bertrand, Paulo Rosa-Santos () and Gianmaria Giannini ()
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Cassandre Senocq: SeaTech School of Engineering, University of Toulon (UTLN), 83957 La Garde Cedex, France
Daniel Clemente: Department of Civil Engineering and Georresources, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Mailys Bertrand: SeaTech School of Engineering, University of Toulon (UTLN), 83957 La Garde Cedex, France
Paulo Rosa-Santos: Department of Civil Engineering and Georresources, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Gianmaria Giannini: Marine Energy and Hydraulic Structures Research Group, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR-LA), University of Porto, Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-27

Abstract: Harnessing Europe’s strong wave energy could support net-zero emissions goals, but extreme ocean loads still make wave energy expensive and delay the rollout of commercial wave-energy converters (WECs). To address this, the twin-floater CECO WEC has been redesigned into a single-pivot device called the Pivoting WEC (PWEC), which includes a passive duck diving survival mode to reduce extreme wave impacts. Its performance is evaluated using detailed wave simulations based on Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations and the Volume-of-Fluid (VoF) method in OpenFOAM-olaFlow, which is validated with data from small-scale (1:20) wave tank experiments. Extreme non-breaking and breaking waves are simulated based on 100-year hindcast data for the case study site of Matosinhos (Portugal) using a modified Miche criterion. These are validated using data of surface elevation and force sensors. Wave height errors averaged 5.13%, and period errors remain below 0.75%. The model captures well major wave loads with a root mean square error down to 47 kN compared to a peak load of 260 kN and an R 2 up to 0.80. The most violent plunging waves increase peak forces by 5 to 30% compared to the highest non-breaking crests. The validated numerical approach provides accurate extreme load predictions and confirms the effectiveness of the PWEC’s passive duck diving survival mode. The results contribute to the development of structurally resilient WECs, supporting the progress of WECs toward higher readiness levels.

Keywords: marine renewable energy; wave energy; WEC; numerical modeling; Open-FOAM; extreme wave-load assessment; survivability; pivoting 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: 2025
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