• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.116-122
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• 2019

Among the various wave power systems, Salter's duck (rotor) is one of the most effective wave absorbers for extracting wave energy. The rotor shape is designed such that the front part faces the direction of the incident wave, which forces it to bob up and down due to wave-induced water particle motion, whereas the rear part, which is mostly circular in shape, reflects no waves. The asymmetric geometric shape of the duck makes it absorb energy efficiently. In the present study, the rotor was investigated using WAMIT (a program based on the linear potential flow theory in three-dimensional diffraction/radiation analyses) in the frequency domain and verified using OrcaFlex (design and analysis program of marine system) in the time domain. Then, an experimental investigation was conducted to assess the performance of the rotor motion based on the model scale in a two-dimensional (2D) wave tank. Initially, a free decay test (FDT) was carried out to obtain the viscous damping coefficient. The pitch response was extracted from the experimental time series in a periodic regular wave for two different wave heights (1 cm and 3 cm). In addition, the viscous damping coefficient was calculated from the FDT result and fluid forces, obtained from WAMIT, are incorporated into the final response of the rotor. Finally, a comparative study based on experimental and numerical results (WAMIT & OrcaFlex) was performed to confirm the performance reliability of the designed rotor.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.229-237
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• 2021

A numerical hydrodynamic performance analysis of the pitch-type multibody wave energy converter (WEC) is carried out based on both linear potential flow theory and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the unidirectional wave condition. In the present study, Salter's duck (rotor) is chosen for the analysis. The basic concept of the WEC rotor, which nods when the pressure-induced motions are in phase, is that it converts the kinetic and potential energies of the wave into rotational mechanical energy with the proper power-take-off system. This energy is converted to useful electric energy. The analysis is carried out using three WEC rotors. A multibody analysis using linear potential flow theory is performed using WAMIT (three-dimensional diffraction/radiation potential analysis program), and a CFD analysis is performed by placing three WEC rotors in a numerical wave tank. In particular, the spacing between the three rotors is set to 0.8, 1, and 1.2 times the rotor width, and the hydrodynamic interaction between adjacent rotors is checked. Finally, it is confirmed that the dynamic performance of the rotors slightly changes, but the difference due to the spacing is not noticeable. In addition, the CFD analysis shows a lateral flow phenomenon that cannot be confirmed by linear potential theory, and it is confirmed that the CFD analysis is necessary for the motion analysis of the rotor.

• Bulletin of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 1983

A study is made, in the framework of linear potential theory, to investigate the hydrodynamic characteristics of two-dimensional wave-energy absorbers as like the Salter's duck and an oscillating cam with Lewis-form section, which undergo uncoupled heaving and rolling motions in an incident linear gravity wave in deep water. Wave energy is supposed to be extracted by a linearly damped generator with an spring. Some well-known formulae in ship hydrodynamics such as Haskind-Newman relation and Bessho-Newman relation are utilized in forms of Kochin functions to derived expressions for efficiency, breaking effect and drift force of the absorber. Maximum ideal efficiency of 100% can be arrived at an prescribed tuning frequency. Coupling effect is also examined to assess the detrimental effect of sway on efficiency. From numerical calculations for both types of two-dimensional devices it may be concluded that a wave-energy absorber functions at the same time as a wave breaker and that the drift force acting on the device becomes smaller when it absorbs wave energy than as it oscillates freely. Finally the study is extended to an infinite array system, equivalent to a body in a canal, to show that all incident wave energy can be absorbed regardless of the absorber's size, only if the optimum space and the optimum condition of control are realized.