Laboratory Study Of Hydraulic Characteristics Of An Overtopping Wave Energy Converter

At present, China’s energy situation is increasingly tense, the development of alternative renewable energy has become a top priority. Ocean energy is an important part of renewable energy. China has a vast area and numerous islands, there are few residents on these islands which are most far from the mainland. For these isolated islands, only ocean energy and other renewable energy sources can be used. Small ocean energy power stations not only provide enough power for the islands, but also avoid the consumption and great economic costs when using conventional energy sources. And the comprehensive utilization of ocean energy and other renewable resources is also feasible. Considering the special conditions of the island, the ocean energy power plant is economical and it has great market potential.Wave energy is an important part of the marine energy, there are many different kinds of wave energy power generation device, wherein overtopping wave energy converter (OWEC) has the advantages of simple structure, high stability and being well combined with the coastline, it’s a kind of ideal wave energy power generation device. The research of OWEC can contribute to the development and utilization of wave energy in our nation.In this paper, based on the general structure form of the overtopping devices, a simple model of the OWEC is established. Model test of the OWEC is performed in an experimental flume, the overtopping discharge and the wave pressure at the slope ramp and the bottom of the device during different wave conditions are investigated. Through the analysis of the test results, It is found that the experimental data of the overtopping discharge agree well with Van der Meer formula, the variation of the pressure during different wave conditions is also given.Through model test, the overtopping discharge, wave pressure and the hydraulic efficiency of the OWEC is studied when the OWEC combined with a breakwater. The possibilities advantages and disadvantages of the combination between the OWEC and breakwater is discussed. The experimental results provide a basis for the study of hydraulic performance and structural stability of the OWEC.