Asymmetry Effect on Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Double Chamber Oscillating Water Column Device

Abstract

Awakening of renewable energy in the latter half of the twentieth
century has identified wave energy as a potential source of clean
energy due to its high intensity of energy flux compared with
other renewable sources of energy. Subsequent research found out
that Oscillating Water Column (OWC) concept is an easier and
simple technology to harness energy from the Ocean waves. This
had lead to a rapid progress in research pertaining to tuning of the
system for optimum efficiency. The Double Chamber Oscillating
Water Column (DCOWC) concept is a modified form of OWC.
The present study is an extension of previous studies for
understanding its hydrodynamics with respect to its two
geometric parameters; bottom opening and front duct width. The
experimental works carried out on a scaled down model for
identifying the effective combination between them is explained.
The hydrodynamic principles governing the maximum harness of
wave energy is detailed here. The discussions related to wave
energy absorption, wave energy conversion, phase angle
difference between pressure excitation and air pressure and wave
amplification which govern the efficiency of the DCOWC are
included for a better understanding on the effect between
geometry and wave characteristics. It is expected that the findings
of this study enhance knowledge on the hydrodynamic aspects of
the concept of a DCOWC.

KEY WORDS: Wave Energy; Dynamic Pressure; Asymmetry;
Phase Angle, Wave Amplification.