Experimental study on the optimization of an oscillating water column structure considering real gas compressibility

Abstract

Ocean waves are considered an important and representative source of renewable energy, and the development of marine energy resources is considered an important task for marine states. To this end, oscillating water column (OWC) technology is considered one of the most effective and low-cost methods for the development of hundreds of wave-generating devices, and experts have attempted to increase or improve the power generation efficiency of an OWC. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and optimization of a hydrodynamic power generation system under the conditions of real gas compressibility and hysteresis effect. To this end, a model test is conducted in a water tank using regular and irregular waves wherein the airflow is assumed to be compressible real gas. This assumption helps predict the relationship between the air compression and flow characteristics in a fixed OWC under various conditions; the outlet air speed is measured using an anemometer.