Numerical Modelling

The numerical simulation of the hydrodynamic interaction between wave energy converters (WECs) and sea waves started with the purpose of understanding, in a prompt way, the energy absorption level, as well as the device efficiency. Numerical models are therefore valuable tools as they allow, in a fast way, to optimize the device geometry and characterize the power take off equipment (PTO). For this reason its application is generally the first stage of any technology development.

Presently there are several different wave energy technologies under evaluation and so the convergence on a specific device has not yet been reached. Therefore, the numerical simulation of new possible solutions is still an important field of application of numerical models. On the other hand, the installation at sea of the first prototypes has reveled that numerical models are also valuable tools to characterize and to optimize the anchoring systems. Simultaneously, due to the exponential increment of the computational capacity verified in the last years, the application and development of non linear numerical models that allows, for instance, to estimate the viscous dissipation, has been an important expansion field.

In a near future it is expected that the application of numerical codes will be extended to the characterization and management of wave energy farms. Therefore, numerical tools may be of great utility in the optimization of the farm dimension (number of devices and distance between them) as well as in the prediction of the mean level of energy absorption.

Regarding the numerical field the WavEC has the capacity to answer to a large range of possible requests concerning wave energy, not only because it has a skilled and experienced team, but also because there is access to the most recent numerical codes applied presently in wave energy.