Hydrodynamic analysis of U-shaped OWC with varying bottom profiles integrated with Π-breakwater

Abstract

In the present study, the fixed U-OWC integrated with Π-shaped breakwater is analysed considering three different bottom profiles (straight, inclined, and curved) of the interior chamber of the U-OWC. The hydrodynamic performance is assessed based on the theoretical maximum efficiency, radiation susceptance and conductance, reflection, transmission and dissipation coefficients and force coefficient on the top lip wall of U-OWC and front face of breakwater. The influence of geometric variations such as width of U-channel, draft of U-OWC, draft and width of breakwater and distance between the two structures on the hydrodynamic performance is analysed using Boundary Element Method (BEM). The study depicts that the presence of a wider U-channel width impairs the energy conversion efficiency of the U-OWC and increasing the draft of the U-OWC improves the efficiency of the device. Further, changing the bottom profile of the internal chamber of U-OWC changes the natural frequency of the device without hampering the efficiency. In addition, as the distance between the two structures is increased, transmission of waves decreases. The influence of wave force on the breakwater is noted to be maximum when the leading U-OWC structure has a curved bottom. The study on the variation of the bottom profile of the fixed U-OWC integrated with breakwater will be helpful in the design and analysis of efficient hybrid floating breakwater system.