Hydrodynamic Performance Assessment of a Hybrid Wave Energy Converter Array–Floating Breakwater System Under Irregular Waves

Abstract

A hybrid system combining wave energy converters (WECs) and a floating breakwater presents significant potential for developing commercial-scale wave power operations. The assessment of the hydrodynamic characteristics of a WEC array–floating breakwater system under irregular waves remains in the early stages and requires further investigation. Based on the linear potential theory, a time-domain numerical model is established to evaluate the performance of a hybrid WEC array–floating breakwater system in a target sea area. The interaction between the WECs and the floating breakwater is analyzed. Results show that for the hybrid system with a triangular-baffle-type WEC array under irregular waves, the annual average wave power is 1.16 MW and the annual energy production is 10.16 × 103 MW·h, representing a 241.2% improvement compared with that of the isolated WEC array. The standard deviations of the mooring forces for the hybrid system with the triangular-baffle-type WEC array are reduced by 13.8% in the surge direction and 26.9% in the pitch direction, while increasing by 90.0% in the heave direction. Similar conclusions are obtained for the motion of the floating breakwater. The findings and data reported in this study provide guidance for the engineering application of a hybrid WEC array–floating breakwater system.

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