Numerical Analysis of Wave Field in OWC Chamber Using VOF Model

J. Ocean Eng. Technol. 2008;22(2):1-6.

Liu Zhen,Hyun Beom-Soo,Jin Ji-Yuan

Division of Naval Architecture & Ocean Systems Engineering Korea Maritime University,Division of Naval Architecture & Ocean Systems Engineering Korea Maritime University,Division of Naval Architecture & Ocean Systems Engineering Korea Maritime Universi

Keywords: Wave energy, OWC, Numerical wave tank, VOF model, Shape parameters

Abstract

Recently Oscillating Water Column (OWC) plants have been widely employed in wave energy conversion applications. It is necessary to investigate the chamber and optimize its shape parameters for maximizing air flow and energy conversion due to wave conditions. A 2D numerical wave tank based on a Fluent and VOF model is developed to generate the incident waves and is validated by theoretical solutions. The oscillating water column motion in the chamber predicted by the numerical method is compared with the available experimental data. Several geometric scales of the chamber are calculated to investigate the effect of the shape parameters on the oscillating water column motion and wave energy conversion.