Numerical analysis of the influence of air compressibility effects on an oscillating water column wave energy converter chamber

Abstract

The most studied device used for extracting wave energy is the Oscillating Water Column (OWC). In general, numerical simulations of these cases by means of models based on Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations adopt the Volume of Fluid method to deal with the free surface flow which is considered incompressible in both water and air. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the compressibility effect on the air inside the OWC chamber by the FLUENT® numerical model. A methodology is implemented, taking into account both water and air flows incompressible, but, at every instant, a pressure condition is imposed on the top boundary of the chamber to consider the compressibility effect. This pressure condition is based on an analytical equation that considers the isentropic transformation of the air and effects of Wells and impulse turbines. Results of compressible and incompressible numerical models are compared. The amplification factor, the root mean square of air pressure inside the chamber and OWC efficiency in relation to incident wave period, wave height and turbine characteristic relation are analyzed. Results show that air compressibility effects can diminish the predicted OWC efficiency up to about 20% in both Wells and impulse turbines.