Research on wavestar-like wave energy converter arrays with a truss-type octagonal floating platform in the South China Sea

Interactions between wave energy converters (WECs) in an array have been a recurring topic of investigation. In this study, a novel concept of multiple wavestar-like WECs concentrically arranged on a floating truss-type octagonal platform (TOP-WECs) system is proposed. To confirm the feasibility and hydrodynamic performance of the proposed concept, three-dimensional CFD-based numerical wave tanks (CNWTs) for different scenarios are developed, and validated via experimental tests. Based on the established CNWTs, the performance of the TOP-WECs system is studied via various scenario cases, including the influence of different platform types on hydrodynamic performance and wave-surface elevation, the interaction effect of TOP-WECs in different configurations with a stationary platform on motion response, power extraction, and energy conversion efficiency, and, ultimately, the performance of TOP-WECs with a floating platform. The results indicate that the interaction factor (q-factor) varies from 0.8 to 0.9 in the present configuration study of different arrays, and the absorbed power of the wavestar-like WEC on the lee side is generally greater than that on the weather side. The findings of this work could help in the implementation of cost-sharing wavestar WEC arrays, with the objective of reducing the overall cost of wave energy generation.