A model test of an OWC type WEC using wave dissipating double-caissons in a wave tank

摘要

Several types of oscillating water column (OWC) type wave energy converters (WECs) are researched and developed in the world. They are floating types and fixed types. In case of a fixed type, wave dissipating caissons could be replaced to WECs of an OWC type. On OWC types, installation of the projecting-walls (PWs) is useful in order to improve PTO performance. In this study, it was considered that a double dissipating caisson was used as an OWC type WEC with PWs. A front caisson of the double caisson seems the area surrounded by PWs and a back caisson can be seen as an OWC. The paper studied basic property of the primary conversion from wave power to power of air with model tests in a wave tank. As a result, wave height strongly effects on behaviors of OWC motion as well as air pressure. Finally, the primary conversion and PTO performance was affected by wave height. Besides, the concept of use of a double caisson was useful from PTO performance estimated.