Abstract
Successful WEC design and development needs massive experimental and in-field studies to cover different aspects of hydro-servo-elastic-geo interaction. Consequently, the lack of fairly accurate modeling methodology has inevitable effects on developing cost-effective harnessing technologies. Through this paper, a novel multilevel methodology combining experimental and numerical simulation is presented for a new WEC concept which significantly decreases the time-consuming process of concept validation. The methodology is comprised of multi-level numerical and experimental studies that are developed for reliable while the fast representation of a WEC device. The methodology can be easily tailored and adapted for different phases of analysis and design of any type of hybrid concept or single WEC devices. The proposed modelling methodology is hybrid multi-level experimental numerical simulations and is developed based on lessons learned and the expected challenges in representing a device. The proposed methodology has the advantage of easily being adapted for the fast-paced industry environment. The case study WEC device is also a new concept inspired by nature and in its first levels of concept validation. This concept is expected to operate efficiently even in areas with less energetic waves. The primary shape of the moving part of the device is inspired by nature to overcome resistance forces and increase the penetration and motion in water. The shape is also further improved considering manufacturing possibilities and the required symmetry for the device operation in the real sea. The corresponding numerical results are also presented along with a novel systematic modeling methodology to show the efficiency of the methodology in the development process of WEC.