Hydraulic Characteristics of Seawave Slot-cone Generator Pilot Plant at Kvitsøy (Norway)

This paper presents results on wave overtopping and loading on an innovative caisson breakwater for electricity production. The work reported here contributes to the European Union FP6 priority 6.1 (Sustainable Energy System). The design of the structure consists of three reservoirs one on the top of each other to optimize the storage of potential energy in the overtopping water. The wave loadings on the main structure can be estimated using experiences from breakwater design, but the differences between the structures is so large that more reliable knowledge is needed. Model tests were carried out to measure wave loadings and overtopping rates using realistic random 2D and 3D wave conditions; the model scale used was 1:60 of the SSG pilot at the selected location in the island of Kvitsoy, Norway. Pressure transducers were placed in order to achieve information on impact/pulsating loadings while in a second phase the model has been adapted and equipped with pumps to measure the overtopping flow rates in the single reservoirs. The results of the tests highlight differences between 2D and 3D conditions in terms of pressures and hydraulic efficiency.