Numerical modelling of the 'Bombora' wave energy conversion device

This paper presents a numerical model for a novel membrane-based wave energy harvesting device developed by Bombora Wave Power Pty. Ltd. The membrane model was implemented initially implemented in python, followed by a complete implementation as an add-in library to OpenFOAM. The results for 3 confi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: King, Andrew
Format: Conference Paper
Published: 2014
Online Access:http://people.eng.unimelb.edu.au/imarusic/proceedings/19%20AFMC%20TOC.htm
http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/4214
Description
Summary:This paper presents a numerical model for a novel membrane-based wave energy harvesting device developed by Bombora Wave Power Pty. Ltd. The membrane model was implemented initially implemented in python, followed by a complete implementation as an add-in library to OpenFOAM. The results for 3 configurations of membrane are presented - with ?p of 100, 500 and 1000 Pa, and differing pressure correction terms CP. In the presented cases capture efficiencies between 8 and 14% were predicted without any tuning of the PTO parameters, and represent a conservative estimation of the device's potential.