IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/energy/v342y2026ics0360544225052995.html

Numerical and experimental study on a multi-body articulated wave energy converter

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Chenglong
  • Qian, Peng
  • Zhang, Dahai

Abstract

The distinctive undulating form of ocean waves gives rise to multi-body articulated wave energy converters (WECs) characterized by free movement and adaptable configurations. The interaction between floating bodies, the constraints imposed by the articulation mechanism, and the coupled effects of the mooring system make the hydrodynamic calculations of the WEC exceptionally complex. In this study, a novel configuration of a multi-body articulated WEC is proposed, consisting of seven floating bodies connected by six articulated joints, representing an extended array system with more intricate hydrodynamic behavior. A time-domain dynamic coupling model is developed to integrate articulated mechanical connections, a three-component catenary mooring system, and the seven-body articulated structure. The developed coupling model is supplemented with viscous corrections. Based on this model, the influence of structural and wave parameters on hydrodynamic performance is systematically investigated. Finally, physical model tank tests and prototype sea-trials are conducted. Good agreement is observed between the numerical and experimental results, demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed numerical coupling model.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Chenglong & Qian, Peng & Zhang, Dahai, 2026. "Numerical and experimental study on a multi-body articulated wave energy converter," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 342(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:342:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225052995
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139657
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544225052995
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.energy.2025.139657?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Chenglong Li & Dahai Zhang & Weijie Zhang & Xiaodong Liu & Ming Tan & Yulin Si & Peng Qian, 2021. "A Constant-Pressure Hydraulic PTO System for a Wave Energy Converter Based on a Hydraulic Transformer and Multi-Chamber Cylinder," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-18, December.
    2. Bonilla, Javier & Blanco, Julian & Zarza, Eduardo & Alarcón-Padilla, Diego C., 2022. "Feasibility and practical limits of full decarbonization of the electricity market with renewable energy: Application to the Spanish power sector," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PE).
    3. Trivedi, Kshma & Koley, Santanu, 2023. "Performance of a hybrid wave energy converter device consisting of a piezoelectric plate and oscillating water column device placed over an undulated seabed," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 333(C).
    4. Zhou, Binzhen & Hu, Jianjian & Jin, Peng & Sun, Ke & Li, Ye & Ning, Dezhi, 2023. "Power performance and motion response of a floating wind platform and multiple heaving wave energy converters hybrid system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 265(C).
    5. Sricharan, V.V.S. & Chandrasekaran, Srinivasan, 2021. "Time-domain analysis of a bean-shaped multi-body floating wave energy converter with a hydraulic power take-off using WEC-Sim," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    6. Chandrasekaran, Srinivasan & Sricharan, V.V.S., 2020. "Numerical analysis of a new multi-body floating wave energy converter with a linear power take-off system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 250-271.
    7. Zheng, Siming & Phillips, John Wilfrid & Hann, Martyn & Greaves, Deborah, 2023. "Mathematical modelling of a floating Clam-type wave energy converter," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 280-294.
    8. Suki, Norazah Mohd & Suki, Norbayah Mohd & Sharif, Arshian & Afshan, Sahar & Jermsittiparsert, Kittisak, 2022. "The role of technology innovation and renewable energy in reducing environmental degradation in Malaysia: A step towards sustainable environment," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 182(C), pages 245-253.
    9. Li, Chenglong & Lu, Zhiran & Zhang, Chengzhuo & Zheng, Songgen & Yang, Shaohui, 2026. "Articulated multi-body wave energy converter: Progress and technical challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    10. Cheng, Yong & Liu, Weifeng & Dai, Saishuai & Yuan, Zhiming & Incecik, Atilla, 2024. "Wave energy conversion by multi-mode exciting wave energy converters arrayed around a floating platform," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).
    11. Cui, Lianbiao & Weng, Shimei & Nadeem, Abdul Majeed & Rafique, Muhammad Zahid & Shahzad, Umer, 2022. "Exploring the role of renewable energy, urbanization and structural change for environmental sustainability: Comparative analysis for practical implications," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 215-224.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Zhu, Kai & Shi, Hongda & Zheng, Siming & Michele, Simone & Cao, Feifei, 2023. "Hydrodynamic analysis of hybrid system with wind turbine and wave energy converter," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 350(C).
    2. Dogan, Eyup & Majeed, Muhammad Tariq & Luni, Tania, 2022. "Revisiting the nexus of ecological footprint, unemployment, and renewable and non-renewable energy for South Asian economies: Evidence from novel research methods," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 1060-1070.
    3. Cheng, Yong & Xi, Chen & Dai, Saishuai & Ji, Chunyan & Collu, Maurizio & Li, Mingxin & Yuan, Zhiming & Incecik, Atilla, 2022. "Wave energy extraction and hydroelastic response reduction of modular floating breakwaters as array wave energy converters integrated into a very large floating structure," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 306(PA).
    4. Patil, Basanagouda I. & S, Chandrasekaran & Prasad A, Meher & Saengsupavanich, Cherdvong, 2024. "Energy harvest on TSUSUCA DOLPHIN under irregular waves: Experimental studies," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 299(C).
    5. Chen, Shuo & Jiang, Boxi & Li, Xiaofan & Huang, Jianuo & Wu, Xian & Xiong, Qiuchi & Parker, Robert G. & Zuo, Lei, 2022. "Design, dynamic modeling and wave basin verification of a Hybrid Wave–Current Energy Converter," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 321(C).
    6. Li, Chenglong & Lu, Zhiran & Zhang, Chengzhuo & Zheng, Songgen & Yang, Shaohui, 2026. "Articulated multi-body wave energy converter: Progress and technical challenges," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).
    7. He, Guanghua & Luan, Zhengxiao & Zhang, Wei & He, Runhua & Liu, Chaogang & Yang, Kaibo & Yang, Changhao & Jing, Penglin & Zhang, Zhigang, 2023. "Review on research approaches for multi-point absorber wave energy converters," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    8. Zhang, Yongxing & Huang, Zhicong & Zou, Bowei & Bian, Jing, 2023. "Conceptual design and analysis for a novel parallel configuration-type wave energy converter," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 627-644.
    9. Zhou, Binzhen & Hu, Jianjian & Wang, Yu & Jin, Peng & Jing, Fengmei & Ning, Dezhi, 2023. "Coupled dynamic and power generation characteristics of a hybrid system consisting of a semi-submersible wind turbine and an array of heaving wave energy converters," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C), pages 23-38.
    10. Ma, Lianghua & Liu, Xiaoliang & Liu, Haoyang & Alizadeh, As'ad & Shamsborhan, Mahmoud, 2023. "The influence of the struts on mass diffusion system of lateral hydrogen micro jet in combustor of scramjet engine: Numerical study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).
    11. Xi Liu & Yugang He & Renhong Wu, 2024. "Revolutionizing Environmental Sustainability: The Role of Renewable Energy Consumption and Environmental Technologies in OECD Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-21, January.
    12. Stéphane Mbiankeu Nguea & Hervé Kaffo Fotio, 2025. "The heterogeneous effects of renewable energy, urbanization and democracy on CO2 emissions: Does economic growth matter?," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(4), pages 8835-8861, April.
    13. Xiaofeng Xu & Xiangyu Chen & Yi Xu & Tao Wang & Yifan Zhang, 2022. "Improving the Innovative Performance of Renewable Energy Enterprises in China: Effects of Subsidy Policy and Intellectual Property Legislation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-24, July.
    14. Nicholas Bamegne Nambie & Philomena Dadzie & Dorcas Oye Haywood-Dadzie, 2023. "Measuring the Effect of Income Inequality, Financial Inclusion, Investment, and Unemployment, on Economic Growth in Africa: A Moderating Role of Digital Financial Technology," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 13(4), pages 111-124, July.
    15. Torabbeigi, Mohammadreza & Adibzade, Mohammad & Baharifar, Arash & Abolfathi, Soroush, 2026. "A novel machine learning-transfer function approach for estimating power absorption in floating wave energy converters," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    16. Zeng, Xinmeng & Shao, Yanlin & Feng, Xingya & Xu, Kun & Jin, Ruijia & Li, Huajun, 2024. "Nonlinear hydrodynamics of floating offshore wind turbines: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    17. Zhou, Jiachun & Zhou, Yu & Li, Chen & Zhao, Xuanlie, 2025. "Hydrodynamic analysis of a multi-chamber OWC array over coral reef bathymetry," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 330(C).
    18. Gökgöz, Fazıl & Yücel, Öykü, 2025. "Measuring the long-term impact of wind, run-of-river, solar renewable energy alternatives on market clearing prices," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    19. Jin, Peng & Zheng, Zhi & Zhou, Zhaomin & Zhou, Binzhen & Wang, Lei & Yang, Yang & Liu, Yingyi, 2023. "Optimization and evaluation of a semi-submersible wind turbine and oscillating body wave energy converters hybrid system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    20. Sricharan, V.V.S. & Chandrasekaran, Srinivasan, 2021. "Time-domain analysis of a bean-shaped multi-body floating wave energy converter with a hydraulic power take-off using WEC-Sim," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:342:y:2026:i:c:s0360544225052995. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/energy .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.