Spatial Distribution of Wave Pressures on Seawave Slot-Cone Generator

This paper presents results on loading acting on an innovative caisson breakwater for electricity production. The work reported here is part of the European Union Sixth Framework programme priority 6.1 (Sustainable Energy System), contract 019831, titled "Full-scale demonstration of robust and high-efficiency wave energy converter" (WAVESSG). Information on wave loadings acting on Wave Energy Convert (WEC) Seawave Slot-Cone Generator (SSG) exposed to extreme wave conditions are reported. The SSG concept is based on the principle of overtopping and storing the wave energy in several reservoirs placed one above the other. Comprehensive 2D and 3D wave tank model tests were carried out at the Department of Civil Engineering, Aalborg University (Denmark) in the 3D deep water wave tank. The model scale used was 1:60 of the SSG prototype at the planned location of a pilot plant at the west coast of the island Kvitsøy near Stavanger, Norway. The research study is intended to be of direct use to engineers analyzing design and stability of the pilot plant.