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Experimental Investigations of Moored OWC Wave Energy Converters in Cyclonic Conditions: Survivability Versus Operational Performance

Author

Listed:
  • Eric Gubesch

    (Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia)

  • Nagi Abdussamie

    (Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
    College of Engineering and Technology, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Doha 24449, Qatar)

  • Irene Penesis

    (Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia
    Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre-Co., Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia)

  • Christopher Chin

    (Centre for Maritime Engineering and Hydrodynamics, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7248, Australia)

Abstract

This study experimentally evaluates the survivability and hydrodynamic performance of a moored oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter (WEC) subjected to extreme cyclonic wave conditions emulating tropical cyclone Oma (2019). Laboratory tests recreated realistic cyclonic sea states using focused wave groups through the NewWave theory, combining singular and embedded focused waves within irregular seas to simulate extreme crests, troughs, and transient slamming events. Three mooring systems, including catenary, vertical-taut, and taut with 45° tendons, were tested to quantify their influence on structural response, chamber pressures, mooring tensions, and motion dynamics. The results revealed a critical trade-off: mooring configurations optimised for energy capture efficiency (e.g., taut systems) exhibited reduced survivability during extreme waves, while survivability-focused designs (e.g., catenary) compromised operational performance. Slamming pressures and transient loads were highly sensitive to wave group and mooring stiffness, with vertical taut systems experiencing the largest peak tensions. By integrating localised slamming pressure data with global mooring load measurements, this work provides a novel framework for balancing energy production and storm resilience in OWC design.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric Gubesch & Nagi Abdussamie & Irene Penesis & Christopher Chin, 2025. "Experimental Investigations of Moored OWC Wave Energy Converters in Cyclonic Conditions: Survivability Versus Operational Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-37, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:10:p:2668-:d:1661222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Elhanafi, Ahmed & Macfarlane, Gregor & Fleming, Alan & Leong, Zhi, 2017. "Scaling and air compressibility effects on a three-dimensional offshore stationary OWC wave energy converter," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C), pages 1-20.
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    3. Dimitrios N. Konispoliatis & Anargyros S. Mavrakos, 2025. "Comparative Analysis of Catenary and TLP Mooring Systems on the Wave Power Efficiency for a Dual-Chamber OWC Wave Energy Converter," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-36, March.
    4. Giorgi, Giuseppe & Gomes, Rui P.F. & Henriques, João C.C. & Gato, Luís M.C. & Bracco, Giovanni & Mattiazzo, Giuliana, 2020. "Detecting parametric resonance in a floating oscillating water column device for wave energy conversion: Numerical simulations and validation with physical model tests," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 276(C).
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    10. Wanan Sheng & George Aggidis, 2025. "An Experimental Study of a Conventional Cylindrical Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter: Fixed and Floating Devices," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-28, January.
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