Abstract
This TEAMER RFTS 9 award was used to develop a numerical model of the Waveberg floating attenuator wave energy converter (WEC) using the Wave Energy Converter-Simulator (WEC-Sim). The Waveberg is designed to generate power in the smaller waves (for wave heights of 1 - 2 meters) predominant in the world. It is simple and inexpensive, therefore applicable in low resource settings.
A previous TEAMER RFTS 8 award was used to complete wave tank testing on the Waveberg WEC at Steven’s Institute of Technology. Analysis of these tests on a new 1:25 scale model supports a valuable understanding of Waveberg’s dynamics in real wave conditions. The tank testing included an initial characterization of dynamics using free decay and response amplitude operator (RAO) tests. More advanced testing was also carried out to characterize power output and test novel improvements including hydrofoils to increase lift. The tank test results provided validation data for the WEC-Sim numerical model developed in this TEAMER RFTS 9 award.
WEC-Sim is developed for the purpose of simulating, analyzing, and optimizing WEC dynamics and power performance. It provides simulation framework for modeling the Waveberg WEC. An accurate numerical model that has been validated by tank testing results supports the Waveberg Development team going forward as an inexpensive way to demonstrate the WEC’s capabilities and efficiently create new design iterations. The numerical model will be vital in Waveberg Development’s goals of attracting the $3 million required to complete testing of a full-scale prototype.