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Development and Hydrodynamic Performance of an Oscillating Buoy-Type Wave Energy Converter

Author

Listed:
  • Yeison Berrio

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 081007, Colombia
    Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de la Guajira, Riohacha 440002, Colombia)

  • Germán Rivillas-Ospina

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 081007, Colombia
    PIANC (The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure)-Colombia, Ecohydrology and Ecohydraulics Research Network (REDECOHH), Barranquilla 081007, Colombia)

  • Gregorio Posada Vanegas

    (Instituto EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av. Héroe de Nacozari 480, Campeche 24079, Mexico)

  • Rodolfo Silva

    (Institute of Engineering, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico)

  • Edgar Mendoza

    (Institute of Engineering, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico)

  • Victor Pugliese

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 081007, Colombia)

  • Augusto Sisa

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla 081007, Colombia)

Abstract

The development of wave energy converters (WECs) faces several technical challenges, particularly enhancing the capturing efficiency, improving the conversion of mechanical to electric energy, and reducing energy losses in the transmission of electricity to land-based facilities. The present study is an assessment of the interaction between an oscillating buoy-type wave energy converter (WEC) and waves using experimental and numerical methods. A small-scale model was tested in a wave tank to evaluate its energy capturing efficiency, taking wave heights and periods as independent variables. The recorded data were used to validate OpenFOAM (version 9.0) simulations, which provided insights into system response characteristics. The findings highlight the critical role of resonance in optimizing energy capture, with maximum efficiency observed for medium wave periods, and with specific buoy configurations. The study also identified an inverse relationship between the capture width ratio and wave height, suggesting the need for customized buoy designs, tailored to specific sea states. The integrated approach used in this research provides a comprehensive understanding of WEC behaviour and offers valuable insights for advancing wave energy technologies and improving their sustainability and efficiency in diverse marine environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Yeison Berrio & Germán Rivillas-Ospina & Gregorio Posada Vanegas & Rodolfo Silva & Edgar Mendoza & Victor Pugliese & Augusto Sisa, 2025. "Development and Hydrodynamic Performance of an Oscillating Buoy-Type Wave Energy Converter," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-27, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:16:p:4383-:d:1726578
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    References listed on IDEAS

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