Dual-purpose wave farm with nonlinear stiffness mechanism for energy extraction and wave attenuation

Abstract

This study proposes a novel model of a dual-purpose nonlinear wave farm, wherein multiple wave energy converters (WECs) equipped with nonlinear stiffness mechanism (NSM) are deployed for energy production and wave attenuation. A hybrid semi-analytical approach integrating the eigenfunction expansion matching method (EEMM) with the multi-harmonic balance method (MHBM) is developed to address the nonlinear wave-structure interactions among an array of WECs. Each device is modeled as a truncated cylinder, and the effects of the nonlinear interaction on power absorption and wave evolution from the array are studied. The analytical results are validated through published experimental results and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results. A multi-parameter analysis is conducted to explore the impact of various factors including power takeoff (PTO) damping, NSM configuration, wave direction, and layout geometry on both wave power absorption and wave evolution. The results demonstrate that the nonlinear wave farm exhibits improved power-capture efficiency and enhanced wave attenuation compared to the linear wave farm, attributed to the phase control mechanism of NSM. This work may provide profound guidelines for large-scale wave energy exploitation and coast protection.