| Research Focus | Efficient and accurate non-linear numerical models (i.e. CFD) are desired for WEC development. Most such models currently only include single subsystems for a WEC. However, a holistic analysis coupling a number of system characteristics leads to a more accurate and meaningful outcome.
Hence, the project aims at the development of an efficient, high-fidelity CFD-based numerical wave tank for the application in the field of ocean wave energy conversion following a holistic approach by incorporating
• Wave Generation & Absorption
• Dynamic (Multi-DoF) Mesh Motion
• Multi Body WECs
• Mooring Model
• Realistic Power Take-Off (PTO) Representation
• Control Strategy
Considering OpenFOAM for the model setup, the availability to a broad spectrum of users is ensured.
The project can devided in a number of development steps. These are:
(1) Assessment and Validation of Numerical Wave Makers
(2) Assessment and Validation of Turbulence Modelling
(3) Implementation of non-linear PTO Models
(4) Implementation of non-linear Mooring Models
(5) Assessment of Domain Decomposition Models (RANS/Potential Flow)
(6) Assessment and Development of accurate (Multi-)Body Representation Methods
(7) Validation and Verification
(8) Model Refinement |
