Abstract
This study presents an efficient time-domain integration numerical simulation approach (ANSYS/AQWA-Simulink-WecSim) tailored for floating wave energy converters. Initially, ANSYS/AQWA software is utilized to obtain frequency domain hydrodynamic coefficients. Subsequently, individual subsystem simulation models are established and then integrated within the MATLAB/Simulink platform. Leveraging the open-source program WEC-Sim to incorporate frequency domain outcomes and the Simulink-built numerical model, a comprehensive integration simulation of the device's power generation function is conducted by solving the time-domain motion equation. Focusing on the Sharp Eagle WANSHAN floating wave energy converter equipped with a hydraulic Power Take-Off (PTO) system featuring an accumulator and a nonlinear variable damping, this research explores the impact of altering incident wave parameters (e.g., wave height, period, direction) on the device's time-domain motion patterns, capture width ratio, and power generation efficiency. Results reveal that integrating a PTO system with an accumulator and a nonlinear variable damping significantly enhances the device's adaptability to diverse sea states. Furthermore, a comparison between numerical simulation and open sea test results (1:1) validates the effectiveness of the fully coupled integrated simulation method in time-domain.