Numerical Study on Performance of Integrated System of Wave Energy Converter Arrays and Parabolic Breakwaters

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  • 1. School of Infrastructure Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, Liaoning, China; 

    2. Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, Ningbo 315000, Zhejiang, China; 

    3. School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Energy Power Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430063, China; 

    4. Science and Technology Research Institute, China Three Gorges Corporation, Beijing 100000, China

Online published: 2025-06-30

Abstract

This study investigates the performance of an integrated system combining wave energy converter (WEC) arrays with parabolic breakwaters. The research focuses on optimizing wave energy utilization through strategic spatial arrangement of buoy arrays relative to parabolic breakwaters.  Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method were conducted to compare the performance of linear and arc-shaped buoy arrays in both open water and integrated with parabolic breakwaters. The results indicate that while linear arrays are more effective in open water, arc-shaped arrays, when integrated with parabolic breakwaters, significantly enhance power generation efficiency. Specifically, the arc-shaped array optimally aligned with theoretically predicted secondary wave crest lines at 0.5 wavelength distance from the breakwater focus demonstrated a 3.32-fold increase in power output compared to open-water linear arrays, and a 1.32-fold improvement relative to linear array-breakwater integrated systems. This study provides a practical solution for wave energy development and offers insights for further optimizing integrated WEC and breakwater systems.

Cite this article

WU Ji1, LANG Zekun1, SHI Wei1, 2, CAO Linyang1, CHAI Wei3, ZHAI Hanbo4, WANG Wenhua1, 2 . Numerical Study on Performance of Integrated System of Wave Energy Converter Arrays and Parabolic Breakwaters[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 0 : 1 . DOI: 10.16183/j.cnki.jsjtu.2025.093

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