Hydrodynamic analysis of a dual chamber floating oscillating water column device

Abstract

Enhancements to the hydrodynamic effectiveness of oscillating water columns (OWC) have the potential to impact their absorption of wave power and enhance their efficiency. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain whether dual-chamber OWCs can enhance the hydrodynamic efficiency of the OWC through a three-dimensional theoretical formulation. To fulfil this objective, a parametric geometric analysis is undertaken for various types of OWCs with diverse geometric attributes of their oscillating chambers to identify the optimal configuration. Various parameters, such as the device's draft, the chamber's thickness, and the quantity and type of oscillating chambers, are taken into account. This research aims to outline the design parameters of the OWC device and the influential factors influencing its hydrodynamics. The analysis revealed that a dual-chamber OWC demonstrates improved hydrodynamic properties at specific wave frequencies when compared to a single-chamber converter, suggesting it as a viable solution for enhancing wave power absorption efficiency.