Modelling of a Wave Energy Harnessing Breakwater

Abstract

The wave energy production through a system of a breakwater and a Low Head Turbine in the port side, is investigated by means of a mathematical model. The model simulates the propagation of a linear wave along a 1-D wave channel towards a hollow wave-absorbing breakwater further processing the wave. The breakwater presents an opening to the sea with a crest at a fixed elevation above the MSL, leading the overtopping water masses to a reservoir in its interior. As the reservoir is filled, it discharges water to a Low Head Turbine inside the port basin. The research goal is to maximize the mechanical power entering the port basin where the LHT is safely placed, producing electricity under a piezometric head of the order of 1- 4 m, depending on the wave climate in the region. The aim of this work is to optimize the relation of the parameters influencing the producible power, i.e. to maximize the head and the mean discharge towards the LTH, (minimizing its variation with time). The optimization is investigated numerically on the basis of the values of the above parameters.