Session: 09-02-02 Wave Energy: Hydrodynamics 2

Paper Number: 128018

128018 - Analytical Modeling Suite for Common Shapes’ Hydrodynamic Coefficients 

The proposed research aims at developing theoretical models to simulate hydrodynamic coefficients, motion responses, and power performances of an array of common shaped wave energy converters (WECs), including hemispheres, ellipsoids, and both circular and elliptical cylinders, as well as combinations of these. Due to the complexity and difficulty of obtaining the exact solution, theoretical (mathematical-based) models are not generally explored, and numerical solvers are employed instead. An analytical approach, however, has been shown to benefit from the simple setup and significantly quick computational time (typically less than a second for a hundred cases). It is well-suited for early stages of project development, including design space exploration and the optimization of device geometry.

Developing upon previous works for an Oscillating Surge Wave Energy Converter (OSWEC), in which flat plate assumption was employed to reduce the complexity of the formulations, the thickness will be incorporated to allow for the simulations of wider WEC types in this study. The effects of nearby WEC systems in an array (“farm”) on the performance of an individual device will also be considered. The hydrodynamic coefficients (added mass and radiation damping) from the developed models will be validated using Capytaine - a boundary element method program. An optimization and sensitivity study on the device geometry for given wave scenarios will also be performed to demonstrate the model capabilities and explore fundamental WEC design concepts.

Presenting Author: Nhu Nguyen Sandia National Laboratories

Presenting Author Biography: Nhu Nguyen is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Water Power Technology at Sandia National Laboratories. She obtained her Bachelor and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and University of Massachusetts Amherst, respectively. Her graduate research focused on fluid-structure interactions and nonlinear behaviors of highly flexible cable dynamics with the applications in mooring systems for offshore platforms. At Sandia, Nhu is involved in developing and supporting theoretical and numerical modeling of resource characterizations; performances of marine and hydrokinetic systems; as well as their influences on the surrounding environment.

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