Numerical hydrodynamic analysis and optimization of modular oscillating wave surge converters

• Published in: Journal of engineering mathematics Vol. 153; no. 1
• Main Authors: Nguyen, H. P., Nguyen-Thoi, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.08.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applications of Mathematics; Boundary element method; Computational Mathematics and Numerical Analysis; Configurations; Constraints; Damping; Design optimization; Evolutionary computation; Mathematical and Computational Engineering; Mathematical Modeling and Industrial Mathematics; Mathematics; Mathematics and Statistics; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Differential evolution; Hydrodynamic analysis; Oscillating wave surge converters; Modularity; Boundary element method; Optimization
• ISSN: 0022-0833; 1573-2703
• DOI: 10.1007/s10665-025-10468-1

This study conducts a numerical investigation into the hydrodynamic performance and design optimization of modular oscillating wave surge converters (OWSCs). The investigation is performed within the framework of linear wave theory using the Boundary Element Method. A numerical approach utilizing Differential Evolution is introduced to optimize modular OWSC configurations, while addressing key operational constraints such as flap motion limits, loading on the foundation, and forces on the Power Take-Off (PTO) system. Numerical examples of constrained optimization for modular OWSCs are provided, illustrating their energy extraction performance under various constraint settings. Numerical results demonstrate that the modular OWSC outperforms its single-wide counterpart in energy extraction under both head and oblique wave conditions, with a more significant advantage in oblique waves. In head waves, the modular OWSC with independently applied PTO damping to each module generates up to 25% more power than the single-wide configuration. Under oblique wave conditions, uniform PTO damping in the modular OWSC yields up to 160% more power than the single-wide OWSC. The independent PTO damping strategy further enhances the modular OWSC’s output by approximately 10%.