Analysis of Wave Reflection from Wave Energy Converters Installed as Breakwaters in Harbour

B. Zanuttigh, Lucia Margheritini, L. Gambles, L. Martinelli

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/conference proceedingArticle in proceedingResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Amplification and renovation of harbours, none the last for the need of straitening existing structures because of the increased storminess due to climate change, is a practice that is repeating itself all around the world.

To this purpose, integration of breakwaters and Wave Energy Converters (WECs) based on two different technologies, one based on the overtopping principle and the other of Oscillating Water Column (OWC) type, revealed to be suitable with different advantages compared to offshore installations, among the others: sharing of costs, cheaper accessibility and maintenance, lower loads on the structure, i.e. better survivability.

Nevertheless these devices must comply with the requirements of harbour protection structures and thus cope with problems due to reflection of incoming waves, i.e. dangerous sea states close to harbors entrances and intensified sediment scour, which can lead to structure destabilization.

The present paper aims to analyse wave reflection from OWC and Sea Slot-cone Generator (SSG) converters, based on experimental results obtained in 2D and 3D facilities.

The applicability of formulae available in the literature and derived from costal structures experience are checked. Consideration on induced scour and structure stability are also carried out, and solution for design improvements are finally drawn.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 8th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference : EWTEC 2009
Publication date2009
Pages384-392
Publication statusPublished - 2009
EventThe European Wave and Tidal Conference (EWTEC) - Uppsala, Sweden
Duration: 7 Sept 200910 Sept 2009
Conference number: 8

Conference

ConferenceThe European Wave and Tidal Conference (EWTEC)
Number8
Country/TerritorySweden
CityUppsala
Period07/09/200910/09/2009

Bibliographical note

Published on a cd. Session IV-D

Keywords

  • Wave reflection
  • Sea slot cone generator
  • Oscillating water column
  • Scour
  • Experiments
  • Formulae

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