Development of a CFD-based numerical wave tank of a novel multipurpose wave energy converter

The development of new wave energy converters usually involves small-scale experiments in physical wave tanks. The jump to physical models at larger scales is an expensive and time-consuming process that can be supported by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. Using the CFD approach, it is possible to numerically simulate complex flows with high accuracy, once validation with experimental data has been carried out. This article describes an approach based on guidelines taken from the literature and adopted to develop and explore the capabilities of a CFD-based numerical wave tank for a novel multipurpose wave energy converter, REEFS. An incremental validation procedure, using experimental data collected with a piston-type wave tank, was adopted; the procedure began with wave-only tests which were followed by wave-structure interaction tests. Snapshots of numerical and experimental approaches were used to analyse fluid flow in the envelope of the REEFS converter. The results demonstrate that the CFD-based numerical wave tank model can adequately simulate the global wave surface profile, as well as local complex phenomena, such as the Venturi aspiration effect, that typically occur near the exterior stay vanes of the device. The results encourage the adoption of this model for future REEFS analysis.