Experimental study of multiple hemisphere wave energy converters arrayed in a water channel resonator

In this study, the performance of multiple hemisphere Wave Energy Converters (WECs) arrayed in a Water Channel Resonator (WCR) has been investigated in irregular waves. First, we determine the characteristics of wave responses from model tests, using 16 wave probes in a WCR. Second, the pitch motion responses of three WECs in a WCR are determined. Experimental results are compared with the numerical solutions using the time-domain SeaFEM and OrcaFlex commercial code and agree well with the numerical results. Both experimental and numerical results indicate that when the incident peak period is close to one of the natural periods in a closed WCR, resonance occurs in the WCR. This resonance induces a large wave response and causes a high pitch motion response of WECs. The present study highlights the advantages of using a WCR for energy amplification and lays the necessary foundation for the commercialization of the present WEC system.