V. Raghavan
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Wave energy arrays are essential for reducing the Levelised Cost of Energy, yet the performance of traditional mono-device arrays is often limited by destructive hydrodynamic interactions and directional sensitivity. This work focuses on ”mixed arrays,” wherein different types and geometries of wave energy converters operating in different degrees of freedom (point Absorber and a flap) are deployed within the same array to exploit complementary device dynamics, whilst reducing spatial requirements. Using a weakly non-linear frequency-domain model utilising the solver HAMS-MREL, a systematic comparison is performed across 3360 cases considering varying array sizes, spacings, wave directions, and control strategies (active and passive). Comparison of array performance is based on the well known q-factor and a new geometry dependent metric (M-factor). The results demonstrate that mixed arrays can outperform mono-device arrays by leveraging favourable hydrodynamic cross-coupling and radiated wave-field alignment. For a 10-device staggered configuration, mixed arrays achieved a peak q-factor of 1.6 and an M-factor of 2.25 under regular waves, showing a 175% increase in point absorber heave response under displacement constraints and 34% increase in flap excitation forces. Performance is sensitive to the spacing-to-wavelength ratio, mixed arrays exhibit superior directional robustness, and reduced efficiency collapse compared to mono-flap arrays. The findings suggest that mixed-device configurations can provide a robust alternative for optimising energy capture, reducing spatial requirements, offering new collaboration opportunities and contributing to the viability of wave energy arrays.
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Wave energy arrays are essential for reducing the Levelised Cost of Energy, yet the performance of traditional mono-device arrays is often limited by destructive hydrodynamic interactions and directional sensitivity. This work focuses on ”mixed arrays,” wherein different types and geometries of wave energy converters operating in different degrees of freedom (point Absorber and a flap) are deployed within the same array to exploit complementary device dynamics, whilst reducing spatial requirements. Using a weakly non-linear frequency-domain model utilising the solver HAMS-MREL, a systematic comparison is performed across 3360 cases considering varying array sizes, spacings, wave directions, and control strategies (active and passive). Comparison of array performance is based on the well known q-factor and a new geometry dependent metric (M-factor). The results demonstrate that mixed arrays can outperform mono-device arrays by leveraging favourable hydrodynamic cross-coupling and radiated wave-field alignment. For a 10-device staggered configuration, mixed arrays achieved a peak q-factor of 1.6 and an M-factor of 2.25 under regular waves, showing a 175% increase in point absorber heave response under displacement constraints and 34% increase in flap excitation forces. Performance is sensitive to the spacing-to-wavelength ratio, mixed arrays exhibit superior directional robustness, and reduced efficiency collapse compared to mono-flap arrays. The findings suggest that mixed-device configurations can provide a robust alternative for optimising energy capture, reducing spatial requirements, offering new collaboration opportunities and contributing to the viability of wave energy arrays.
Mixed wave energy arrays: Going beyond the status quo
An exploration of the hydrodynamics and techno-economics
Wave energy represents a highly predictable and energy-dense renewable resource with the potential to contribute significantly to future low-carbon energy systems. Despite decades of research and the existence of numerous Wave Energy Converter (WEC) concepts, large-scale commercial deployment remains limited. This is primarily due to high capital costs, deployment in adverse offshore conditions, technological uncertainty, and challenges associated with scaling from single devices to array-level deployments. Most existing wave energy arrays are deployed as mono-arrays, consisting of identical devices operating in the same degree of freedom. While this approach simplifies design and control, it may limit flexibility in array design and constrain overall hydrodynamic and economic performance.
This dissertation introduces and systematically investigates the concept of mixed wave energy arrays, in which different types of WECs operating in distinct degrees of freedom are deployed within the same array. The central hypothesis is that combining devices with complementary hydrodynamic characteristics can influence array-level power absorption, directional behaviour, and techno-economic performance relative to conventional mono-arrays. By exploiting differences in resonance behaviour, radiation characteristics, and wave-structure interaction mechanisms, mixed arrays may offer alternative pathways for improving energy capture while balancing spatial and economic constraints.
The thesis begins by introducing an accurate and computationally efficient numerical framework for analysing the hydrodynamic behaviour of both mono and mixed WEC arrays. To this end, the HAMS-MREL solver is formulated, extended, and validated for multi-body and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. The model explicitly accounts for wave-structure interactions, array effects, and directional wave incidence, enabling consistent and systematic assessment of single devices and arrays of increasing complexity. Validation against analytical solutions, experimental data, and established numerical tools, together with parallelised implementations, demonstrates the suitability of the framework for array-scale investigations.
This modelling framework is then applied to examine and compare the hydrodynamic behaviour of mono and mixed arrays in both shallow- and deep-water environments. A broad range of array configurations is considered under regular and irregular wave conditions, allowing the influence of device type, spacing, layout, and wave directionality to be assessed. The analyses provide insight into how hydrodynamic interactions and directional effects differ between mono and mixed arrays, and how these differences influence array-level behaviour across a range of operating conditions.
Finally, the hydrodynamic analyses are integrated with a techno-economic assessment of wave energy arrays. Using representative cost models and site-independent assumptions, the levelised cost of energy of mono and mixed arrays is evaluated alongside spatial performance indicators such as array footprint. This combined assessment enables a consistent comparison of alternative array concepts, highlighting the trade-offs between energy production, spatial efficiency, and economic performance in different deployment contexts.
Overall, the findings of this thesis demonstrate that mixed wave energy arrays constitute a viable alternative to conventional mono-technology deployments and merit consideration in future wave energy farm design. By jointly examining hydrodynamic behaviour, spatial characteristics, and techno-economic implications at the array scale, this work provides a structured framework for evaluating next-generation wave energy arrays. The modelling tools and insights developed in this thesis form a foundation for future optimisation studies, control integration, and site-specific assessments aimed at advancing the commercial viability of wave energy systems. ...
This dissertation introduces and systematically investigates the concept of mixed wave energy arrays, in which different types of WECs operating in distinct degrees of freedom are deployed within the same array. The central hypothesis is that combining devices with complementary hydrodynamic characteristics can influence array-level power absorption, directional behaviour, and techno-economic performance relative to conventional mono-arrays. By exploiting differences in resonance behaviour, radiation characteristics, and wave-structure interaction mechanisms, mixed arrays may offer alternative pathways for improving energy capture while balancing spatial and economic constraints.
The thesis begins by introducing an accurate and computationally efficient numerical framework for analysing the hydrodynamic behaviour of both mono and mixed WEC arrays. To this end, the HAMS-MREL solver is formulated, extended, and validated for multi-body and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. The model explicitly accounts for wave-structure interactions, array effects, and directional wave incidence, enabling consistent and systematic assessment of single devices and arrays of increasing complexity. Validation against analytical solutions, experimental data, and established numerical tools, together with parallelised implementations, demonstrates the suitability of the framework for array-scale investigations.
This modelling framework is then applied to examine and compare the hydrodynamic behaviour of mono and mixed arrays in both shallow- and deep-water environments. A broad range of array configurations is considered under regular and irregular wave conditions, allowing the influence of device type, spacing, layout, and wave directionality to be assessed. The analyses provide insight into how hydrodynamic interactions and directional effects differ between mono and mixed arrays, and how these differences influence array-level behaviour across a range of operating conditions.
Finally, the hydrodynamic analyses are integrated with a techno-economic assessment of wave energy arrays. Using representative cost models and site-independent assumptions, the levelised cost of energy of mono and mixed arrays is evaluated alongside spatial performance indicators such as array footprint. This combined assessment enables a consistent comparison of alternative array concepts, highlighting the trade-offs between energy production, spatial efficiency, and economic performance in different deployment contexts.
Overall, the findings of this thesis demonstrate that mixed wave energy arrays constitute a viable alternative to conventional mono-technology deployments and merit consideration in future wave energy farm design. By jointly examining hydrodynamic behaviour, spatial characteristics, and techno-economic implications at the array scale, this work provides a structured framework for evaluating next-generation wave energy arrays. The modelling tools and insights developed in this thesis form a foundation for future optimisation studies, control integration, and site-specific assessments aimed at advancing the commercial viability of wave energy systems. ...
Wave energy represents a highly predictable and energy-dense renewable resource with the potential to contribute significantly to future low-carbon energy systems. Despite decades of research and the existence of numerous Wave Energy Converter (WEC) concepts, large-scale commercial deployment remains limited. This is primarily due to high capital costs, deployment in adverse offshore conditions, technological uncertainty, and challenges associated with scaling from single devices to array-level deployments. Most existing wave energy arrays are deployed as mono-arrays, consisting of identical devices operating in the same degree of freedom. While this approach simplifies design and control, it may limit flexibility in array design and constrain overall hydrodynamic and economic performance.
This dissertation introduces and systematically investigates the concept of mixed wave energy arrays, in which different types of WECs operating in distinct degrees of freedom are deployed within the same array. The central hypothesis is that combining devices with complementary hydrodynamic characteristics can influence array-level power absorption, directional behaviour, and techno-economic performance relative to conventional mono-arrays. By exploiting differences in resonance behaviour, radiation characteristics, and wave-structure interaction mechanisms, mixed arrays may offer alternative pathways for improving energy capture while balancing spatial and economic constraints.
The thesis begins by introducing an accurate and computationally efficient numerical framework for analysing the hydrodynamic behaviour of both mono and mixed WEC arrays. To this end, the HAMS-MREL solver is formulated, extended, and validated for multi-body and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. The model explicitly accounts for wave-structure interactions, array effects, and directional wave incidence, enabling consistent and systematic assessment of single devices and arrays of increasing complexity. Validation against analytical solutions, experimental data, and established numerical tools, together with parallelised implementations, demonstrates the suitability of the framework for array-scale investigations.
This modelling framework is then applied to examine and compare the hydrodynamic behaviour of mono and mixed arrays in both shallow- and deep-water environments. A broad range of array configurations is considered under regular and irregular wave conditions, allowing the influence of device type, spacing, layout, and wave directionality to be assessed. The analyses provide insight into how hydrodynamic interactions and directional effects differ between mono and mixed arrays, and how these differences influence array-level behaviour across a range of operating conditions.
Finally, the hydrodynamic analyses are integrated with a techno-economic assessment of wave energy arrays. Using representative cost models and site-independent assumptions, the levelised cost of energy of mono and mixed arrays is evaluated alongside spatial performance indicators such as array footprint. This combined assessment enables a consistent comparison of alternative array concepts, highlighting the trade-offs between energy production, spatial efficiency, and economic performance in different deployment contexts.
Overall, the findings of this thesis demonstrate that mixed wave energy arrays constitute a viable alternative to conventional mono-technology deployments and merit consideration in future wave energy farm design. By jointly examining hydrodynamic behaviour, spatial characteristics, and techno-economic implications at the array scale, this work provides a structured framework for evaluating next-generation wave energy arrays. The modelling tools and insights developed in this thesis form a foundation for future optimisation studies, control integration, and site-specific assessments aimed at advancing the commercial viability of wave energy systems.
This dissertation introduces and systematically investigates the concept of mixed wave energy arrays, in which different types of WECs operating in distinct degrees of freedom are deployed within the same array. The central hypothesis is that combining devices with complementary hydrodynamic characteristics can influence array-level power absorption, directional behaviour, and techno-economic performance relative to conventional mono-arrays. By exploiting differences in resonance behaviour, radiation characteristics, and wave-structure interaction mechanisms, mixed arrays may offer alternative pathways for improving energy capture while balancing spatial and economic constraints.
The thesis begins by introducing an accurate and computationally efficient numerical framework for analysing the hydrodynamic behaviour of both mono and mixed WEC arrays. To this end, the HAMS-MREL solver is formulated, extended, and validated for multi-body and multi-degree-of-freedom systems. The model explicitly accounts for wave-structure interactions, array effects, and directional wave incidence, enabling consistent and systematic assessment of single devices and arrays of increasing complexity. Validation against analytical solutions, experimental data, and established numerical tools, together with parallelised implementations, demonstrates the suitability of the framework for array-scale investigations.
This modelling framework is then applied to examine and compare the hydrodynamic behaviour of mono and mixed arrays in both shallow- and deep-water environments. A broad range of array configurations is considered under regular and irregular wave conditions, allowing the influence of device type, spacing, layout, and wave directionality to be assessed. The analyses provide insight into how hydrodynamic interactions and directional effects differ between mono and mixed arrays, and how these differences influence array-level behaviour across a range of operating conditions.
Finally, the hydrodynamic analyses are integrated with a techno-economic assessment of wave energy arrays. Using representative cost models and site-independent assumptions, the levelised cost of energy of mono and mixed arrays is evaluated alongside spatial performance indicators such as array footprint. This combined assessment enables a consistent comparison of alternative array concepts, highlighting the trade-offs between energy production, spatial efficiency, and economic performance in different deployment contexts.
Overall, the findings of this thesis demonstrate that mixed wave energy arrays constitute a viable alternative to conventional mono-technology deployments and merit consideration in future wave energy farm design. By jointly examining hydrodynamic behaviour, spatial characteristics, and techno-economic implications at the array scale, this work provides a structured framework for evaluating next-generation wave energy arrays. The modelling tools and insights developed in this thesis form a foundation for future optimisation studies, control integration, and site-specific assessments aimed at advancing the commercial viability of wave energy systems.
Wave energy arrays are essential for reducing the Levelised Cost of Energy, yet the performance of traditional mono-device arrays is often limited by destructive hydrodynamic interactions and directional sensitivity. This work focuses on ”mixed arrays,” wherein different types and geometries of wave energy converters operating in different degrees of freedom (point Absorber and a flap) are deployed within the same array to exploit complementary device dynamics, whilst reducing spatial requirements. Using a weakly non-linear frequency-domain model utilising the solver HAMS-MREL, a systematic comparison is performed across 3360 cases considering varying array sizes, spacings, wave directions, and control strategies (active and passive). Comparison of array performance is based on the well known q-factor and a new geometry dependent metric (M-factor). The results demonstrate that mixed arrays can outperform mono-device arrays by leveraging favourable hydrodynamic cross-coupling and radiated wave-field alignment. For a 10-device staggered configuration, mixed arrays achieved a peak q-factor of 1.6 and an M-factor of 2.25 under regular waves, showing a 175% increase in point absorber heave response under displacement constraints and 34% increase in flap excitation forces. Performance is sensitive to the spacing-to-wavelength ratio, mixed arrays exhibit superior directional robustness, and reduced efficiency collapse compared to mono-flap arrays. The findings suggest that mixed-device configurations can provide a robust alternative for optimising energy capture, reducing spatial requirements, offering new collaboration opportunities and contributing to the viability of wave energy arrays.
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Wave energy arrays are essential for reducing the Levelised Cost of Energy, yet the performance of traditional mono-device arrays is often limited by destructive hydrodynamic interactions and directional sensitivity. This work focuses on ”mixed arrays,” wherein different types and geometries of wave energy converters operating in different degrees of freedom (point Absorber and a flap) are deployed within the same array to exploit complementary device dynamics, whilst reducing spatial requirements. Using a weakly non-linear frequency-domain model utilising the solver HAMS-MREL, a systematic comparison is performed across 3360 cases considering varying array sizes, spacings, wave directions, and control strategies (active and passive). Comparison of array performance is based on the well known q-factor and a new geometry dependent metric (M-factor). The results demonstrate that mixed arrays can outperform mono-device arrays by leveraging favourable hydrodynamic cross-coupling and radiated wave-field alignment. For a 10-device staggered configuration, mixed arrays achieved a peak q-factor of 1.6 and an M-factor of 2.25 under regular waves, showing a 175% increase in point absorber heave response under displacement constraints and 34% increase in flap excitation forces. Performance is sensitive to the spacing-to-wavelength ratio, mixed arrays exhibit superior directional robustness, and reduced efficiency collapse compared to mono-flap arrays. The findings suggest that mixed-device configurations can provide a robust alternative for optimising energy capture, reducing spatial requirements, offering new collaboration opportunities and contributing to the viability of wave energy arrays.
The deployment of marine renewables (MRE) is important for transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. However, their performance is highly dependent on the deployment location, making the selection of feasible sites critical for large-scale implementation. To contribute meaningfully to Europe’s renewable energy strategy and support a carbon-neutral energy system by 2050, the environmental performance of MREs must be taken into account in site selection, beyond the typical economic and technical aspects. Therefore, this study presents a geospatial analysis of the climate change mitigation potential of two wave energy converters, floating offshore photovoltaics, and floating wind turbines in northern European coastal waters. By combining a detailed life cycle assessment model of the four MREs with spatial data, the distribution of their life cycle global warming impact and carbon payback periods is assessed across multiple regions. The results show significantly varying impact levels of the different MREs, with carbon-neutral deployment not guaranteed at every location. Wave energy converters only partially reach carbon neutrality, while floating photovoltaics fail to do so across the entire study area. Floating wind turbines can be considered carbon-neutral nearly across their entire theoretical application area. The findings highlight the importance of taking into account site-specific environmental performance of MREs in order to ensure a positive contribution to climate change mitigation. By providing spatially explicit maps of MREs’ global warming impacts and carbon payback periods, this study enables as the first of its kind the inclusion of climate change mitigation considerations in the site selection process for MREs.
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The deployment of marine renewables (MRE) is important for transitioning to a low-carbon energy system. However, their performance is highly dependent on the deployment location, making the selection of feasible sites critical for large-scale implementation. To contribute meaningfully to Europe’s renewable energy strategy and support a carbon-neutral energy system by 2050, the environmental performance of MREs must be taken into account in site selection, beyond the typical economic and technical aspects. Therefore, this study presents a geospatial analysis of the climate change mitigation potential of two wave energy converters, floating offshore photovoltaics, and floating wind turbines in northern European coastal waters. By combining a detailed life cycle assessment model of the four MREs with spatial data, the distribution of their life cycle global warming impact and carbon payback periods is assessed across multiple regions. The results show significantly varying impact levels of the different MREs, with carbon-neutral deployment not guaranteed at every location. Wave energy converters only partially reach carbon neutrality, while floating photovoltaics fail to do so across the entire study area. Floating wind turbines can be considered carbon-neutral nearly across their entire theoretical application area. The findings highlight the importance of taking into account site-specific environmental performance of MREs in order to ensure a positive contribution to climate change mitigation. By providing spatially explicit maps of MREs’ global warming impacts and carbon payback periods, this study enables as the first of its kind the inclusion of climate change mitigation considerations in the site selection process for MREs.
Understanding the effects of arrays of Wave Energy Converters (WEC) on the wave fields is still an ongoing effort. Many publications have proposed different approaches to incorporate WEC farms in wave models to assess sea state changes in the near and far field. In the present study, a practical iterative method is proposed to incorporate the spectral response of a WEC obtained from the HAMS-MREL Boundary Element Model (BEM) in the SWAN spectral wave model. This allows to change the transmission and reflection properties of the WEC, represented in the model as an obstacle, at each time step. Since the response of a WEC simulated in the BEM model is defined in the frequency domain, it is possible to relate the absorbed power, at each discrete frequency, to the transmission coefficient applied at each frequency used to discretize the wave spectrum in SWAN. In this case, the method is applied to a single point-absorber type device since its response is independent of the waves’ directions. Validation of the method is done comparing the omnidirectional spectrum obtained downwave of the WEC in SWAN, with the spectrum reconstructed using the regular wave fields information (for each frequency) obtained in HAMS-MREL.
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Understanding the effects of arrays of Wave Energy Converters (WEC) on the wave fields is still an ongoing effort. Many publications have proposed different approaches to incorporate WEC farms in wave models to assess sea state changes in the near and far field. In the present study, a practical iterative method is proposed to incorporate the spectral response of a WEC obtained from the HAMS-MREL Boundary Element Model (BEM) in the SWAN spectral wave model. This allows to change the transmission and reflection properties of the WEC, represented in the model as an obstacle, at each time step. Since the response of a WEC simulated in the BEM model is defined in the frequency domain, it is possible to relate the absorbed power, at each discrete frequency, to the transmission coefficient applied at each frequency used to discretize the wave spectrum in SWAN. In this case, the method is applied to a single point-absorber type device since its response is independent of the waves’ directions. Validation of the method is done comparing the omnidirectional spectrum obtained downwave of the WEC in SWAN, with the spectrum reconstructed using the regular wave fields information (for each frequency) obtained in HAMS-MREL.
Additional features in HAMS-MREL
A new open-source BIEM solver for offshore energy applications
HAMS-MREL is a recently developed open-source BIEM solver, which allows for the solution of the diffraction and radiation problem for multiple floating rigid structures, taking into account their interaction. This has shown to highly accurate when compared with semi-analytical solutions/commercial solver WAMIT, within a computationally efficient framework that is parallelized. The solver is currently capable of providing the hydrodynamic coefficients (added mass and radiation damping) and exciting forces for all 6 rigid body modes per body. With this research, the solver has been extended significantly to include the following features for the multiple body interaction problem 1) Removal of irregular frequencies, 2) Global symmetry, 3) Wave fields and 4) Generalized modes. This study contributes further to the open-source domain with the development of highly accurate numerical tools for the accelerated deployment of offshore renewables.
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HAMS-MREL is a recently developed open-source BIEM solver, which allows for the solution of the diffraction and radiation problem for multiple floating rigid structures, taking into account their interaction. This has shown to highly accurate when compared with semi-analytical solutions/commercial solver WAMIT, within a computationally efficient framework that is parallelized. The solver is currently capable of providing the hydrodynamic coefficients (added mass and radiation damping) and exciting forces for all 6 rigid body modes per body. With this research, the solver has been extended significantly to include the following features for the multiple body interaction problem 1) Removal of irregular frequencies, 2) Global symmetry, 3) Wave fields and 4) Generalized modes. This study contributes further to the open-source domain with the development of highly accurate numerical tools for the accelerated deployment of offshore renewables.
Wave energy converter (WEC) arrays should be designed to ensure consistent and optimal power production over long operational periods. This requires an understanding of stochastic wave variability, interactive effects among devices and their mutual dependence. In this work, a computationally efficient surrogate modelling framework was developed using data-driven polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) to analyze the performance of WEC arrays under realistic sea state conditions spanning 30 years. For this purpose, using Latin hypercube sampling scheme on a joint probability distribution derived from the ECHOWAVE hindcast dataset, resulting $10^6$ combinations of significant wave height (Hs), wave period (Tp), and WEC radius (R) for two array configurations—interacting and non-interacting cases were evaluated. The surrogate model was set up to evaluate the performance of WEC arrays by means of global sensitivity analysis using Sobol indices. The results conclude that the interactive effects significantly alter the contribution of design parameters (like geometry and spatial configurations) to power output, emphasizing the inadequacy of single-device analysis for array optimization. The findings highlight the importance of tailored WEC design within arrays and offer a robust approach for long-term performance prediction and optimization of wave energy farms.
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Wave energy converter (WEC) arrays should be designed to ensure consistent and optimal power production over long operational periods. This requires an understanding of stochastic wave variability, interactive effects among devices and their mutual dependence. In this work, a computationally efficient surrogate modelling framework was developed using data-driven polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) to analyze the performance of WEC arrays under realistic sea state conditions spanning 30 years. For this purpose, using Latin hypercube sampling scheme on a joint probability distribution derived from the ECHOWAVE hindcast dataset, resulting $10^6$ combinations of significant wave height (Hs), wave period (Tp), and WEC radius (R) for two array configurations—interacting and non-interacting cases were evaluated. The surrogate model was set up to evaluate the performance of WEC arrays by means of global sensitivity analysis using Sobol indices. The results conclude that the interactive effects significantly alter the contribution of design parameters (like geometry and spatial configurations) to power output, emphasizing the inadequacy of single-device analysis for array optimization. The findings highlight the importance of tailored WEC design within arrays and offer a robust approach for long-term performance prediction and optimization of wave energy farms.
To accelerate the energy transition, offshore renewable energy is increasingly moving toward array deployment. This shift demands accurate, reliable analysis of hydrodynamics and array interactions at low computational cost. Frequency-domain tools, especially those based on the Boundary Integral Equation Method (BIEM), have thus become widely adopted in the renewables community. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Structures-Marine Renewable Energies Lab (HAMS-MREL) is a recently developed open-source multi-body BIEM solver that computes diffraction and radiation problems, yielding hydrodynamic coefficients and excitation forces on structures. The solver has been validated across a range of geometries using experiments, semi-analytical solutions, and cross-model comparisons, demonstrating high accuracy. This study extends HAMS-MREL with several new features—including wave field calculations (free-surface elevation and pressure), global symmetry, irregular frequency suppression, and generalized (dry) modes—all of which have been validated for accuracy and computational efficiency. OpenMP parallelization has been integrated into each feature, delivering significant computational speed-ups ranging from 13.5 to 47.2.
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To accelerate the energy transition, offshore renewable energy is increasingly moving toward array deployment. This shift demands accurate, reliable analysis of hydrodynamics and array interactions at low computational cost. Frequency-domain tools, especially those based on the Boundary Integral Equation Method (BIEM), have thus become widely adopted in the renewables community. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Structures-Marine Renewable Energies Lab (HAMS-MREL) is a recently developed open-source multi-body BIEM solver that computes diffraction and radiation problems, yielding hydrodynamic coefficients and excitation forces on structures. The solver has been validated across a range of geometries using experiments, semi-analytical solutions, and cross-model comparisons, demonstrating high accuracy. This study extends HAMS-MREL with several new features—including wave field calculations (free-surface elevation and pressure), global symmetry, irregular frequency suppression, and generalized (dry) modes—all of which have been validated for accuracy and computational efficiency. OpenMP parallelization has been integrated into each feature, delivering significant computational speed-ups ranging from 13.5 to 47.2.
Marine renewables in Energy Systems
Impacts of climate data, generators, energy policies, opportunities, and untapped potential for 100% decarbonised systems
Journal article
(2025)
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George Lavidas, Lefteris Mezilis, Matías Alday G., Harish Baki, Jian Tan, Avni Jain, Tabea Engelfried, Vaibhav Raghavan
The Energy Transition requires meticulous planning, taking into consideration economic, technical, social, and resource constraints. In Europe ambitious targets have been set for system electrification, however, integrating the potential of marine renewables have not been thoroughly investigated. This study extends the framework of PyPSA-Eur into PyPSA-Eur-MREL that for the first time incorporates all marine renewables, using high resolution datasets, that uncover the potential of marine renewables. Marine renewables are modelled in terms of power estimations, deployment strategies and revised packing density, and expected benefits for 2030, and 2050 across all European Countries are quantified. Higher spatio-temporal data have an immediate impact in estimates, and reduction of energy storage by 73%. Wind energy has a reduced installation capacity by 50%, but the higher fidelity of resource matches production to demand and reduces curtailments up to 60%. System costs with high resolution data are 40% reduced to 160 billion € for a 2030 100% renewable reliant system. The benefits of having more marine renewables are not limited to cost and more efficient demand matching, reduced energy storage, but it also with the area required to decarbonise the system. The results are encouraging and outline the importance and further need for marine renewable energies.
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The Energy Transition requires meticulous planning, taking into consideration economic, technical, social, and resource constraints. In Europe ambitious targets have been set for system electrification, however, integrating the potential of marine renewables have not been thoroughly investigated. This study extends the framework of PyPSA-Eur into PyPSA-Eur-MREL that for the first time incorporates all marine renewables, using high resolution datasets, that uncover the potential of marine renewables. Marine renewables are modelled in terms of power estimations, deployment strategies and revised packing density, and expected benefits for 2030, and 2050 across all European Countries are quantified. Higher spatio-temporal data have an immediate impact in estimates, and reduction of energy storage by 73%. Wind energy has a reduced installation capacity by 50%, but the higher fidelity of resource matches production to demand and reduces curtailments up to 60%. System costs with high resolution data are 40% reduced to 160 billion € for a 2030 100% renewable reliant system. The benefits of having more marine renewables are not limited to cost and more efficient demand matching, reduced energy storage, but it also with the area required to decarbonise the system. The results are encouraging and outline the importance and further need for marine renewable energies.
Journal article
(2025)
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Andreas T. Asiikkis, Vaibhav Raghavan, Dimokratis G.E. Grigoriadis, Andrei V. Metrikine, George Lavidas, Antonis I. Vakis
The accurate modelling of hydrodynamic interactions in dense arrays of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) is critical for optimizing design and predicting energy capture efficiency. This study presents the first time-domain experimental validation of the Boundary Element Method (BEM) multi body solver HAMS-MREL, for WEC arrays. The validation involves a comparative assessment of wave excitation forces from numerical predictions and physical measurements for an array of 5 floaters. Results exhibit good overall agreement, with Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) values typically below 10 %, though with some exceptions. The results highlight solver limitations that vary with wave steepness and floater positioning within the array. Additionally, this study presents the first integration of HAMS-MREL with WEC-Sim for time-domain simulations, evaluating the linear HAMS-MREL and the weakly nonlinear WEC-Sim hydrodynamic models across various wave conditions. The comparative study conducted with the Ocean Grazer 4.0 case, a dense array of 18 floaters around a monopile, reveals the conditions under which linear modelling remains valid and when nonlinear approaches become necessary. Despite significant wave excitation force differences at wave steepness above 2 %, power output estimates remain within acceptable limits (∼10 %). These findings offer critical insights into appropriate model selection for different wave conditions.
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The accurate modelling of hydrodynamic interactions in dense arrays of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) is critical for optimizing design and predicting energy capture efficiency. This study presents the first time-domain experimental validation of the Boundary Element Method (BEM) multi body solver HAMS-MREL, for WEC arrays. The validation involves a comparative assessment of wave excitation forces from numerical predictions and physical measurements for an array of 5 floaters. Results exhibit good overall agreement, with Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) values typically below 10 %, though with some exceptions. The results highlight solver limitations that vary with wave steepness and floater positioning within the array. Additionally, this study presents the first integration of HAMS-MREL with WEC-Sim for time-domain simulations, evaluating the linear HAMS-MREL and the weakly nonlinear WEC-Sim hydrodynamic models across various wave conditions. The comparative study conducted with the Ocean Grazer 4.0 case, a dense array of 18 floaters around a monopile, reveals the conditions under which linear modelling remains valid and when nonlinear approaches become necessary. Despite significant wave excitation force differences at wave steepness above 2 %, power output estimates remain within acceptable limits (∼10 %). These findings offer critical insights into appropriate model selection for different wave conditions.
To date the use of the JONSWAP parametric spectrum is still widely accepted in many engineering applications, including the wave energy sector. Nevertheless, in the last 15 years many studies have progressively shown the necessity to implement more detailed and realistic spectral information in order to reduce the errors (or differences) introduced when the JONSWAP spectrum fails to describe more complex sea states. In the present study, the changes in produced power estimations, related to different spectral representations, are analysed. All power production estimates are obtained through 30 years simulations of point-absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC) arrays, using the HAMS-MREL Boundary Element Method (BEM) solver. To assess the effects of the wave energy distribution on power production, 3 different spectral forcing are considered. Two based on the JONSWAP spectrum, and 1 using spectra time series from the ECHOWAVE hindcast specially developed for wave energy applications. For comparison purposes, the hindcast spectra is used as reference, since it can accurately represent the sea states evolution in time including the occurrence of multimodal conditions, which are not considered by the JONSWAP formulation. Additionally, 3 locations with different wave climates are analysed within European coastal waters. Recent results, focused on the response of a single (point-absorber) WEC, show that the differences in the mean yearly production can be > 12% when compared to reference hindcast data. The generalised analysis presented here, including the hydrodynamic interactions between multiple WECs within an array, is an important step forward in the understanding and quantification of the uncertainties present in power production assessments.
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To date the use of the JONSWAP parametric spectrum is still widely accepted in many engineering applications, including the wave energy sector. Nevertheless, in the last 15 years many studies have progressively shown the necessity to implement more detailed and realistic spectral information in order to reduce the errors (or differences) introduced when the JONSWAP spectrum fails to describe more complex sea states. In the present study, the changes in produced power estimations, related to different spectral representations, are analysed. All power production estimates are obtained through 30 years simulations of point-absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC) arrays, using the HAMS-MREL Boundary Element Method (BEM) solver. To assess the effects of the wave energy distribution on power production, 3 different spectral forcing are considered. Two based on the JONSWAP spectrum, and 1 using spectra time series from the ECHOWAVE hindcast specially developed for wave energy applications. For comparison purposes, the hindcast spectra is used as reference, since it can accurately represent the sea states evolution in time including the occurrence of multimodal conditions, which are not considered by the JONSWAP formulation. Additionally, 3 locations with different wave climates are analysed within European coastal waters. Recent results, focused on the response of a single (point-absorber) WEC, show that the differences in the mean yearly production can be > 12% when compared to reference hindcast data. The generalised analysis presented here, including the hydrodynamic interactions between multiple WECs within an array, is an important step forward in the understanding and quantification of the uncertainties present in power production assessments.
In order to reduce the Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE) of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) and make them competitive with conventional energy sources, they would need to be deployed in large numbers as farms similar to Offshore Wind. Given their significant capacity, Offshore wind turbines are often placed at large distances apart, to reduce destructive wake effects, while maintaining a high energy density per unit area. However, WECs within a farm, are much smaller with much lower capacities and stronger inter device interactions due to the presence of a highly dense fluid. Therefore, larger number of WECs can be deployed in closer proximity to produce comparable energy density per unit area. As we move towards hybrid systems with floating solar, wind and wave energy amongst others, efficiency in deployment within an area becomes key. Conventional wave farm concepts that have been extensively studied such as 1) wave farms of different types of WECs (Point Absorber, Attenuator, Flap etc) also referred to as homogeneous arrays (same device in multiple numbers) and 2) wave farms with different sizes and drafts of one type of WEC also referred to as heterogeneous arrays. To date, studies have focused on multiple devices with similar geometries interacting through the same degrees of freedom. With this research, the authors explore mixed wave energy farms, which are wave farms utilizing different types of wave energy converters in the same farm. With the focus on the hydrodynamics and power produced by wave energy converters, this research provides for the first time insights into the interaction of devices, with varying geometries and degrees of freedom, thus entering an entirely new domain of wave farm research.
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In order to reduce the Levelized Cost Of Energy (LCOE) of Wave Energy Converters (WECs) and make them competitive with conventional energy sources, they would need to be deployed in large numbers as farms similar to Offshore Wind. Given their significant capacity, Offshore wind turbines are often placed at large distances apart, to reduce destructive wake effects, while maintaining a high energy density per unit area. However, WECs within a farm, are much smaller with much lower capacities and stronger inter device interactions due to the presence of a highly dense fluid. Therefore, larger number of WECs can be deployed in closer proximity to produce comparable energy density per unit area. As we move towards hybrid systems with floating solar, wind and wave energy amongst others, efficiency in deployment within an area becomes key. Conventional wave farm concepts that have been extensively studied such as 1) wave farms of different types of WECs (Point Absorber, Attenuator, Flap etc) also referred to as homogeneous arrays (same device in multiple numbers) and 2) wave farms with different sizes and drafts of one type of WEC also referred to as heterogeneous arrays. To date, studies have focused on multiple devices with similar geometries interacting through the same degrees of freedom. With this research, the authors explore mixed wave energy farms, which are wave farms utilizing different types of wave energy converters in the same farm. With the focus on the hydrodynamics and power produced by wave energy converters, this research provides for the first time insights into the interaction of devices, with varying geometries and degrees of freedom, thus entering an entirely new domain of wave farm research.
This study presents a first long term (30 years) assessment to quantify the effects of both, the wave spectrum representation, and occurrences of multi-modal sea states, on power production estimations from a point-absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC). Analysis in 3 different offshore locations (Portugal, Ireland and The Netherlands) is included to ensure robustness of results. In general, traditional methods based on the use of the JONSWAP spectrum, with an adequate gamma shape value, can lead to mean overestimation in yearly power production >12% when compared to reference hindcast spectral data. This can be partially reduced when capping is applied to power production, but still can be close to 10%. An alternative method is proposed to modulate the JONSWAP spectrum at each time step which helps to reduce differences, but leads to slight yearly underestimations (−2.5 to −5% in average). Although in all analyzed sites the occurrences of multi-modal spectra is >30%, contribution to errors due to misrepresentation of these sea states are estimated to be of about 2.5%. These findings provide valuable insights on the uncertainties introduced in power production estimations, related to wave conditions characterization, that can have important economic impact when planning for large scale deployments.
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This study presents a first long term (30 years) assessment to quantify the effects of both, the wave spectrum representation, and occurrences of multi-modal sea states, on power production estimations from a point-absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC). Analysis in 3 different offshore locations (Portugal, Ireland and The Netherlands) is included to ensure robustness of results. In general, traditional methods based on the use of the JONSWAP spectrum, with an adequate gamma shape value, can lead to mean overestimation in yearly power production >12% when compared to reference hindcast spectral data. This can be partially reduced when capping is applied to power production, but still can be close to 10%. An alternative method is proposed to modulate the JONSWAP spectrum at each time step which helps to reduce differences, but leads to slight yearly underestimations (−2.5 to −5% in average). Although in all analyzed sites the occurrences of multi-modal spectra is >30%, contribution to errors due to misrepresentation of these sea states are estimated to be of about 2.5%. These findings provide valuable insights on the uncertainties introduced in power production estimations, related to wave conditions characterization, that can have important economic impact when planning for large scale deployments.
Journal article
(2024)
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Vaibhav Raghavan, Irene Simonetti, Andrei V. Metrikine, George Lavidas, Lorenzo Cappietti
The Oscillating Water Column (OWC) wave energy converter has been shown to have high potential, thus rendering extensive development in recent years. In order to further accelerate its development, highly accurate yet computationally efficient tools are necessary particularly when studying the interaction of multiple OWC devices. This paper proposes a new framework for fixed OWC devices with an orifice, that uses the input from a high fidelity non-linear numerical model to improve the accuracy of a low fidelity linear numerical model keeping computational costs low. This is done by accounting for the non-linearities in the pressure-flow of an orifice in the input to the linear numerical model. Experimental data is used to validate the framework, thus providing an accurate and computationally efficient linear numerical model, that can be used for the preliminary analysis of fixed OWC devices.
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The Oscillating Water Column (OWC) wave energy converter has been shown to have high potential, thus rendering extensive development in recent years. In order to further accelerate its development, highly accurate yet computationally efficient tools are necessary particularly when studying the interaction of multiple OWC devices. This paper proposes a new framework for fixed OWC devices with an orifice, that uses the input from a high fidelity non-linear numerical model to improve the accuracy of a low fidelity linear numerical model keeping computational costs low. This is done by accounting for the non-linearities in the pressure-flow of an orifice in the input to the linear numerical model. Experimental data is used to validate the framework, thus providing an accurate and computationally efficient linear numerical model, that can be used for the preliminary analysis of fixed OWC devices.
Ocean wave energy has immense potential and can provide at least twice as much electricity as globally produced now due to its high energy density. In order to efficiently extract this energy and make this commercially viable, Wave Energy Converters (WECs) need to interact with the resource in an optimized way for the expanse of sea states. This interaction is critical to power production by these devices and hence an accurate modelling of this is paramount. The Boundary element method (BEM) based on the linear potential flow theory has yielded accurate results at low computational costs when compared to complex Computational Fluid Dynamics methods. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Structures (HAMS) and Capytaine are recently developed open-source BEM frequency domain solvers, originally created for large marine structures. These solvers have since been utilized for studying wave energy converters, though, for very few converter geometries. Owing to the implementation of parallelization in both HAMS and Capytaine, both these solvers could be capable for significantly lower computational costs as compared to the traditional BEM solvers such as Nemoh. This research aims to compare hydrodynamic coefficients and computational costs in Nemoh, HAMS and Capytaine for various WEC geometries.
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Ocean wave energy has immense potential and can provide at least twice as much electricity as globally produced now due to its high energy density. In order to efficiently extract this energy and make this commercially viable, Wave Energy Converters (WECs) need to interact with the resource in an optimized way for the expanse of sea states. This interaction is critical to power production by these devices and hence an accurate modelling of this is paramount. The Boundary element method (BEM) based on the linear potential flow theory has yielded accurate results at low computational costs when compared to complex Computational Fluid Dynamics methods. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Structures (HAMS) and Capytaine are recently developed open-source BEM frequency domain solvers, originally created for large marine structures. These solvers have since been utilized for studying wave energy converters, though, for very few converter geometries. Owing to the implementation of parallelization in both HAMS and Capytaine, both these solvers could be capable for significantly lower computational costs as compared to the traditional BEM solvers such as Nemoh. This research aims to compare hydrodynamic coefficients and computational costs in Nemoh, HAMS and Capytaine for various WEC geometries.
One of the key aspects to consider before large scale de-ployments of wave energy converters (WEC), is to optimize the devices’ characteristics to improve wave power absorption. Typi-cally, devices with passive control are designed to have the highest efficiency in wave power absorption/production in the range of the most frequent wave conditions. In general, there is an intrinsic “trade-off” between the range of wave conditions where a WEC can operate and the operation efficiency which, in the end, is linked to the energy production yield. Outside the most frequent wave conditions, there is still a non-negligible percentage of oc-currences of more energetic sea states carrying high energy flux values. Given the specific design characteristics of a WEC de-vice, lower operation efficiency is expected during these stronger sea states, which is translated as a lower production compared to the available (usable) resource. In the present study, a multi-size point absorber WEC array, using passive internal control, is pro-posed to optimize wave power production at the array level. The main aim of this work is to verify the combined use of devices de-signed to work in the most frequent wave conditions, with WECs which mass and dimensions are defined to improve their response during stronger sea states. A comparison of the mean produced power is performed between a proposed multi-array and a single size one. This is done using 30 years of spectral wave data ob-tained from an implementation of the WAVEWATCH III model, while response of the wave energy converters array is simulated with the boundary element model HAMS-MREL. Preliminary results, using 10-devices arrays, show a promising increase in production from 60 to 140% when larger WECs are included.
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One of the key aspects to consider before large scale de-ployments of wave energy converters (WEC), is to optimize the devices’ characteristics to improve wave power absorption. Typi-cally, devices with passive control are designed to have the highest efficiency in wave power absorption/production in the range of the most frequent wave conditions. In general, there is an intrinsic “trade-off” between the range of wave conditions where a WEC can operate and the operation efficiency which, in the end, is linked to the energy production yield. Outside the most frequent wave conditions, there is still a non-negligible percentage of oc-currences of more energetic sea states carrying high energy flux values. Given the specific design characteristics of a WEC de-vice, lower operation efficiency is expected during these stronger sea states, which is translated as a lower production compared to the available (usable) resource. In the present study, a multi-size point absorber WEC array, using passive internal control, is pro-posed to optimize wave power production at the array level. The main aim of this work is to verify the combined use of devices de-signed to work in the most frequent wave conditions, with WECs which mass and dimensions are defined to improve their response during stronger sea states. A comparison of the mean produced power is performed between a proposed multi-array and a single size one. This is done using 30 years of spectral wave data ob-tained from an implementation of the WAVEWATCH III model, while response of the wave energy converters array is simulated with the boundary element model HAMS-MREL. Preliminary results, using 10-devices arrays, show a promising increase in production from 60 to 140% when larger WECs are included.
HAMS-MREL, a new open source multiple body solver for marine renewable energies
Model description, application and validation
Journal article
(2024)
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Vaibhav Raghavan, Eva Loukogeorgaki, Nikos Mantadakis, Andrei V. Metrikine, George Lavidas
With the rapid development of offshore renewable energy technologies, open source solvers for hydrodynamic analysis can become beneficial to meet the numerical challenges within the field, particularly when they are both accurate and computationally efficient. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Structures (HAMS), a recently developed open source Boundary Integral Equation Method (BIEM) frequency domain solver has been shown to be a reliable, robust and computationally efficient for analysing single floating structures. This research enhances the capabilities of HAMS further by developing and incorporating a multiple body interaction formulation (henceforth referred as HAMS-MREL), which allows the solution of the diffraction and the radiation problem for multiple floating structures, taking into account their interaction. To evaluate proper performance of this new multi-body solver, comparisons are performed with semi-analytical solutions, as well as with the commercial solver WAMIT in terms of the hydrodynamic coefficients and exciting forces. The excellent comparison with semi-analytical solutions demonstrates the validity of the enhanced multi-body version of HAMS. In addition, the computational comparison considering lower order panels between HAMS-MREL and WAMIT (no symmetry) show that for deep water cases, HAMS-MREL is generally faster than WAMIT, while for the finite depth cases, it is slower. Finally, the functionality to utilize OpenMP parallelization within the multi-body formulation has been added, aiming to reduce the analysis time significantly for the finite depth cases, offering an expected improvement for the future.
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With the rapid development of offshore renewable energy technologies, open source solvers for hydrodynamic analysis can become beneficial to meet the numerical challenges within the field, particularly when they are both accurate and computationally efficient. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Structures (HAMS), a recently developed open source Boundary Integral Equation Method (BIEM) frequency domain solver has been shown to be a reliable, robust and computationally efficient for analysing single floating structures. This research enhances the capabilities of HAMS further by developing and incorporating a multiple body interaction formulation (henceforth referred as HAMS-MREL), which allows the solution of the diffraction and the radiation problem for multiple floating structures, taking into account their interaction. To evaluate proper performance of this new multi-body solver, comparisons are performed with semi-analytical solutions, as well as with the commercial solver WAMIT in terms of the hydrodynamic coefficients and exciting forces. The excellent comparison with semi-analytical solutions demonstrates the validity of the enhanced multi-body version of HAMS. In addition, the computational comparison considering lower order panels between HAMS-MREL and WAMIT (no symmetry) show that for deep water cases, HAMS-MREL is generally faster than WAMIT, while for the finite depth cases, it is slower. Finally, the functionality to utilize OpenMP parallelization within the multi-body formulation has been added, aiming to reduce the analysis time significantly for the finite depth cases, offering an expected improvement for the future.
The Boundary Element Method (BEM) based on the linear potential flow theory has shown to produce accurate results at low computational costs in numerical modelling of the hydrodynamics of Wave Energy Converters (WECs). WAMIT, Nemoh and Capytaine are some of the most popular frequency domain BEM solvers used in the response analysis of various WECs. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Structures (HAMS), another open-source BEM solver gaining traction, has been applied to the analysis of single WECs considering rigid body motions providing highly accurate solutions at lower computational costs as compared to other solvers. This research extends its current capabilities to model structures with constraints by applying the generalized modes approach. Results presented include of a cross-model validation with commercial solver WAMIT, of the hydrodynamic coefficients and exciting forces considering flap converter. Furthermore, a comparison is shown with popular open-source solver Capytaine for the same case, since it has parallelization.
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The Boundary Element Method (BEM) based on the linear potential flow theory has shown to produce accurate results at low computational costs in numerical modelling of the hydrodynamics of Wave Energy Converters (WECs). WAMIT, Nemoh and Capytaine are some of the most popular frequency domain BEM solvers used in the response analysis of various WECs. Hydrodynamic Analysis of Marine Structures (HAMS), another open-source BEM solver gaining traction, has been applied to the analysis of single WECs considering rigid body motions providing highly accurate solutions at lower computational costs as compared to other solvers. This research extends its current capabilities to model structures with constraints by applying the generalized modes approach. Results presented include of a cross-model validation with commercial solver WAMIT, of the hydrodynamic coefficients and exciting forces considering flap converter. Furthermore, a comparison is shown with popular open-source solver Capytaine for the same case, since it has parallelization.
Wave Energy farm assessment in real wave climates
The North Sea
Wave energy has immense potential and can provide at least twice as much electricity as globally produced now due to its high energy density. Apart from the vast accessibility of the resource, waves are more predictable and available throughout the year when compared to other forms of renewable energies. This makes the development and utilization of wave energy tech-nologies immensely important, in order to meet the renewable energy targets, an example of which is the 40GW by 2050 set as the offshore energy strategy of the European Commission. For wave energy to become a commercially viable power source, in-dividual wave energy converters (WECs) need to be deployed in large numbers similar to what can be seen in the wind in-dustry. Therefore, numerical tools simulating multiple inter-acting devices becomes highly relevant. This research utilizes the new open-source Boundary Element Method (BEM) based solver HAMS-MREL to analyse the hydrodynamic interactions of mono-array farms of point absorbers inspired by the state-of-the-art Corpower C4 point absorber device in various configurations subjected to waves in different directions. The obtained responses are used to estimate the power absorbed by the arrays in different configurations to obtain the Array Power Matrices, which can be used to study the variability of the q-factors in different sea states and different directions. Furthermore, the obtained Array Power Matrices are used to estimate the power absorbed by the array configurations in the North Sea. This can be a powerful tool for the analysis of the best wave energy farm configurations as it employs a computationally efficient frequency domain-based solver.
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Wave energy has immense potential and can provide at least twice as much electricity as globally produced now due to its high energy density. Apart from the vast accessibility of the resource, waves are more predictable and available throughout the year when compared to other forms of renewable energies. This makes the development and utilization of wave energy tech-nologies immensely important, in order to meet the renewable energy targets, an example of which is the 40GW by 2050 set as the offshore energy strategy of the European Commission. For wave energy to become a commercially viable power source, in-dividual wave energy converters (WECs) need to be deployed in large numbers similar to what can be seen in the wind in-dustry. Therefore, numerical tools simulating multiple inter-acting devices becomes highly relevant. This research utilizes the new open-source Boundary Element Method (BEM) based solver HAMS-MREL to analyse the hydrodynamic interactions of mono-array farms of point absorbers inspired by the state-of-the-art Corpower C4 point absorber device in various configurations subjected to waves in different directions. The obtained responses are used to estimate the power absorbed by the arrays in different configurations to obtain the Array Power Matrices, which can be used to study the variability of the q-factors in different sea states and different directions. Furthermore, the obtained Array Power Matrices are used to estimate the power absorbed by the array configurations in the North Sea. This can be a powerful tool for the analysis of the best wave energy farm configurations as it employs a computationally efficient frequency domain-based solver.
To date there is a wide range of wave reanalysis and hindcasts available to the scientific and engineering community which are commonly used for different applications, including downscaling or the estimation of the wave energy resource. These long datasets have been created using different combinations of forcing fields, physical parameterizations, and numerical choices (like spatial and spectral resolution). All these elements have a direct effect on the accuracy of the wave models’ output and thus, they are one of the main reasons for the differences between these products. In the present study we analyze the significant wave heights and peak periods characteristics from a selection of global datasets. We additionally include results from a hindcast created using the WAVEWATCH III model, with adjustments specially aimed to reduce uncertainties of the wave energy resource along the Atlantic coasts of Europe. Models’ output is compared with buoys and altimeter data from the latest ESA (European Space Agency) CCI Sea State V3 product. Preliminary validation of the hindcast we have generated for the North Atlantic already show an important bias reduction for wave heights in the 2.5 to 11.5 range compared to ERA5 wave product. Using the relevant wave parameters, we estimate the power density and quantify the differences between databases. Then, based on scatter diagrams obtained from the joint distributions of significant wave height and peak period, the differences in the power captured by a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) related to different wave data sources will be quantified.
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To date there is a wide range of wave reanalysis and hindcasts available to the scientific and engineering community which are commonly used for different applications, including downscaling or the estimation of the wave energy resource. These long datasets have been created using different combinations of forcing fields, physical parameterizations, and numerical choices (like spatial and spectral resolution). All these elements have a direct effect on the accuracy of the wave models’ output and thus, they are one of the main reasons for the differences between these products. In the present study we analyze the significant wave heights and peak periods characteristics from a selection of global datasets. We additionally include results from a hindcast created using the WAVEWATCH III model, with adjustments specially aimed to reduce uncertainties of the wave energy resource along the Atlantic coasts of Europe. Models’ output is compared with buoys and altimeter data from the latest ESA (European Space Agency) CCI Sea State V3 product. Preliminary validation of the hindcast we have generated for the North Atlantic already show an important bias reduction for wave heights in the 2.5 to 11.5 range compared to ERA5 wave product. Using the relevant wave parameters, we estimate the power density and quantify the differences between databases. Then, based on scatter diagrams obtained from the joint distributions of significant wave height and peak period, the differences in the power captured by a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC) related to different wave data sources will be quantified.