Numerical study of air chamber for oscillating water column wave energy convertor

Oscillating Water Column (OWC) wave energy converting system is one of the most widely used facilities all over the world.The air chamber is utilized to convert the wave energy into the pneumatic energy.The numerical wave tank based on the two-phase VOF model is established in the present study to investigate the operating performance of OWC air chamber.The RANS equations,standard k-ε turbulence model and dynamic mesh technology are employed in the numerical model.The effects of incident wave conditions and shape parameters on the wave energy converting efficiency are studied and the capability of the present numerical wave tank on the corresponding engineering application is validated.     

Wave-power absorption by a periodic linear array of oscillating water columns

This paper describes a theoretical analysis of the ocean wave energy absorption by a periodic linear array of oscillating water columns (OWCs) of arbitrary planform. The analysis is based on classical linear water wave theory and uses the expressions for the wave field resulting from time-harmonic pressure distributions on the free surface. The water depth is assumed finite and constant. The cases of oblique and normal incidence are analysed. A linear power take-off mechanism is assumed, but a complex characteristic constant (allowing for phase control) and air compressibility are considered. Special analytical expressions are derived for OWCs of rectangular and circular planforms. Numerical results for circular chambers show that the hydrodynamic interaction can substantially change the maximum energy absorption, depending on array and chamber geometry and on angle of incidence.     

Analytical and experimental investigation on the hydrodynamic performance of onshore wave-power devices

The hydrodynamic performance of the oscillating water column type shoreline-mounted wave-power device is numerically studied within linear wave theory by using a boundary element method based on the Wehausen and Laitone 3D shallow water Green's function. In order to verify the numerical model, a 1:12 physical model with different bottom slopes was constructed and tested in a wave basin under regular wave conditions. The effects of the bottom slope on the hydrodynamic performance are investigated by both analytical and experimental methods.     

南沙海域初级生产力与水柱垂直稳定度的关系

海洋中浮游植物利用光能吸收水体中的CO₂和营养盐合成有机物,不但为海洋食物链的运行提供物质和能量基础,而且还通过海一气界面气体交换影响着大气CO₂浓度.水柱垂直稳定度对海洋初级生产力有重要影响,对此人们早已认识,但通过实测数据分析两者定量关系的文章至今仍极为罕见.此外,南沙海域是世界最大的边缘海之一,然而有关该海域的初级生产力仅见报道过两个测站的实测数据[1].     

用于振荡水柱波能系统的径流式空气透平数值模拟研究

径流式空气透平是振荡水柱式波能发电系统的二级能量转换装置,因其具有结构简单、输出扭矩大、轴向推力小的优势,得到了越来越多的关注。采用计算流体力学软件Ansys-Fluent 12.0,通过数值模拟方法考察了不同转子叶片稠度对径流式空气透平定常无量纲评价参数的影响规律。研究结果表明:虽然径流式透平可在双向气流下实现单向旋转,但当气流通过方向不同时,透平的定常工作性能存在明显差异,这与传统轴流式透平完全不同;此外,稠度对透平效率的影响在不同流量系数范围内也不同。因此,综合考虑气流流向、透平整个工作范围内输出效率,推荐采用的转子叶片稠度为2.34。     

3D hydrodynamic modelling of fixed oscillating water column wave power plant by a boundary element methods

A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model of fixed Oscillating Water Column system (OWC) is presented and validated. The steady-state potential flow boundary value problem due to regular wave interaction with the OWC is solved by a first order mixed distribution panel method. Ocean response predictions are derived using a deterministic statistical model based on a spectral analysis method. The model validation focusses on diffraction predictions and involves convergence tests and numerical comparisons with independent potential flow computations. Predictions of both regular and irregular wave responses are also compared against experimental results. Sample results including the yearly-averaged power conversion efficiency are presented in the final section to illustrate the method’s suitability to a 3D hydrodynamic design optimisation.     

OWC wave energy devices with air flow control

A theoretical model is developed to simulate the energy conversion, from wave to turbine shaft, of an oscillating-water-column (OWC) plant equipped with a Wells air-turbine and with a valve (in series or in parallel with the turbine) for air-flow control. Numerical simulations show that the use of a control valve, by preventing or reducing the aerodynamic stall losses at the turbine rotor blades, may provide a way of substantially increasing the amount of energy produced by the plant, particularly at the higher incident wave power levels. From the hydrodynamic point of view, a by-pass valve or a throttle valve should be used depending on whether the wave energy absorbing system is over-damped or under-damped by the turbine.     

多波束声呐水体影像沉船自动提取方法

为解决人工浏览水体数据耗时且无法保证结果可重复性的问题,提高数据的利用率和定量分析能力,通过分析水体数据的成像机理,提出一种基于单帧水体影像自动提取沉船目标的算法,利用噪声抑制、数学形态学方法检测目标边缘,根据海底统计特性识别海底,再结合深度特性实现海底与沉船目标分离。使用实测数据验证了沉船自动提取算法,且抗噪性较强。通过水体影像提取的目标信息能够弥补水深点目标模型分辨率不足的缺点,为后续目标三维精细建模奠定基础。     

Experimental and theoretical study of a cylindrical oscillating water column device with a quadratic power take-off model

The wave power extraction by a cylindrical oscillating water column (OWC) device with a quadratic power take-off (PTO) model was studied experimentally and theoretically. In the experiment, a scaled model OWC was tested in a wave flume, with an orifice being used to simulate a quadratic PTO mechanism. In the theoretical analysis, the quadratic PTO model was linearized based on Lorenz's principle of equivalent work, which allows us to perform a frequency domain analysis using an eigen-function matching method. The effects of higher harmonic components and the spatial non-uniformity of the surface velocity inside the chamber were discussed. A semi-analytical model was proposed to understand the viscous loss affecting the measured capture length. Our treatment of the quadratic PTO model was validated by comparing quasi-linear theoretical capture length and the laboratory measurement. Our results also showed that the effects of spatial non-uniformity and viscous loss could be noticeable for shorter waves.     

一种无缆自动返回式采水器的机械设计

设计一种垂直剖面采水的自动返回式采水器,其机械机构由配重体的悬挂或释放装置及采水瓶关闭采水机构组成。配重体的悬挂或释放未采用螺纹密封和螺纹承重,动作由密封仓内电机的驱动转动和壳体端盖上的挂钩脱钩实现。采水瓶的关闭不涉及步进电机的转动,由电磁阀的通电实现。实践表明,采水器的机械设计结构简单有效,保证密封,操作方便。     

极浅水域圆柱形结构的地震动水压力

论述了极浅水域中圆柱形构筑物的地震动水压力,当外部水深或内部储液深度与结构半径之比小于某一数值时,其他震动水压力可近似地用无限长直墙的地震动水压力公式表示.通常情况下水深若小于结构高度的一半时,地震动水压力中的弹性动水压力影响可以忽略.建议使用的地震动水压力简化公式,可为极浅水域中圆柱形结构抗震设计提供参考.     

Earthquake-induced hydrodynamic pressure of cylindrical structure in extreme shallow water

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Analysis of Wells turbine design parameters by numerical simulation of the OWC performance

This paper investigates by numerical simulation the influence of the Wells turbine aerodynamic design on the overall plant performance, as affected by the turbine peak efficiency and the range of flow rates within which the turbine can operate efficiently. The problem of matching the turbine to an oscillating water column (OWC) is illustrated by taking the wave climate and the OWC of the Azores power converter. The study was performed using a time-domain mathematical model based on linear water wave theory and on model experiments in a wave tank. Results are presented of numerical simulations considering several aerodynamic designs of the Wells turbine, with and without guide vanes, and with the use of a bypass pressure-relief valve.     

冷泉羽状流多波束水体声学探测技术与应用

海底冷泉作为地球水圈与下伏岩石圈之间物质和能量交换的重要场所,其广泛发育于主动大陆和被动大陆边缘、深海扩张中心、汇聚板块边界、弧前盆地、断层以及泥火山发育区等区域。研究海底冷泉对于海洋工程安全、天然气水合物开发、海洋油气勘探、全球气候变化、碳循环和极端生物群落等方面具有重要意义。本文在系统总结海底冷泉探测技术方法的基础上,重点阐述了多波束水体声学探测技术及海底冷泉羽状流特征反演方法,对海底冷泉系统探测技术方法完善和应用具有重要意义。     

基于机载LiDAR测深水体波形的漫衰减系数提取方法

漫衰减系数是一个重要的海洋光学参数,能够为水体环境变化、水质分析以及水产养殖等方面提供基础性数据。针对目前船载实地测量效率与分辨率低、卫星遥感反演精度与分辨率较低的局限性,本文提出一种基于机载LiDAR测深水体波形的漫衰减系数提取方法。该方法首先通过分层异构模型的机载LiDAR波形分解算法得到水体散射回波,利用激光在水体中的衰减特性,构建漫衰减系数提取模型,最终获取大面积水域漫衰减系数的空间分布。采用西沙甘泉岛与江苏连云港两个航次的实测数据对所提算法进行了验证,本算法无需每个测深点的水底底部回波强度和深度即可反演得到漫衰减系数,并且在浑浊水域也可取得较好的效果,表明在中国近海利用机载LiDAR测深系统能够有效获取高精度的漫衰减系数。     

Model study of a shoreline wave-power system

A wave-power system which combines the concept of a breakwater and a harbor resonance chamber was developed in this study. In the caisson chamber, a multi-resonant oscillating water column (MOWC) was formed to push or suck air through the air turbine and thus continuously generated the power. The proposed wave-power system has two aims in mind: one is shore protection and the other is to extract energy from the ocean. To achieve an optimal effect of harbor resonance when excited by incident waves of various periods, a 60° opening of the cylindrical chamber with an entrance section and an arc-shaped curve board in front of the caisson was designed. In order to assess the energy-conversion efficiency and the hydraulic performance, a 1/20 model of this system was constructed and tested in the wave tank under various wave conditions. Our experimental data for the amplification factor of the MOWC agree well with previous theoretical results [Lee, J.J., 1971. Journal of Fluid Mechanics 45, 375–394]. The curve board proves to be useful: it not only broadens the resonant period but also increases the energy-extraction rate. The reflection coefficient was found to be generally low and to decrease with increasing wave height. However, due to the relatively high energy loss of the MOWC, only 28.5% of the incident-wave energy was converted into air energy, indicating that there are still areas for further improvement. In any event, the experimental results provided a clear picture of the energy-transformation process, and demonstrated the preliminary feasibility of this wave-energy device.     

Enzyme activities in the water column and in shallow permeable sediments from the northeastern Gulf of Mexico

The activities of extracellular enzymes that initiate the microbial remineralization of high molecular weight organic matter were investigated in the water column and sandy surface sediments at two sites in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. Six fluorescently labeled polysaccharides were hydrolyzed rapidly in the water column as well as in permeable sediments. This result contrasts with previous studies carried out in environments dominated by fine-grained muds, in which the spectrum of enzymes active in the water column is quite limited compared to that of the underlying sediments. Extracts of Spirulina, Isochrysis, and Thalassiosira were also used to measure hydrolysis rates in water from one of the sites. Rates of hydrolysis of the three plankton extracts were comparable to those of the purified polysaccharides. The broad spectrum and rapid rates of hydrolysis observed in the water column at both sites in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico may be due to the permeable nature of the sediments. Fluid flux through the sediments is sufficiently high that the entire 1.5 m deep water column could filter though the sediments on timescales of a few days to two weeks. Movement of water through sediments may also transport dissolved enzymes from the sediment into the water column, enhancing the spectrum as well as the rate of water column enzymatic activities. Such interaction between the sediments and water column would permit water column microbial communities to access high molecular weight substrates that might otherwise remain unavailable as substrates.     

An experimental investigation into the wave power extraction of a floating box-type breakwater with dual pneumatic chambers

The oscillating water column (OWC) device is in a leading position for wave power extraction but has not achieved fully commercial at the current stage. In addition to enhancing the OWC performance, installing OWCs on floating breakwaters, which owns the merits of both cost-sharing and offshore power supply, is a practicality with high economic viability. In this study, a series of wave-flume experiments were conducted in regular waves to examine the wave power extraction of a floating box-type breakwater with dual pneumatic chambers. The flow characteristics of the orifices used to simulate the PTOs was pre-calibrated through another series of experiments, so the power extraction in this study can be obtained with only the pressure measurement. The effects of wave period, chamber draft, water depth and arrangement of chambers on the power extraction were examined. Our experimental results showed that the power extraction was mainly due to the water column oscillation inside the chamber, and differentiation in the designed natural periods of dual chambers could widen the efficiency bandwidth of power extraction. The front chamber always played the main role in power extraction and its natural period should be designed against the dominating period of the wave spectrum; in contrast, the power extraction of the rear chamber was only a supplement and its natural period should be designed against longer waves which were more easily transmitted, thus a PTO of small power capacity maybe more realistic. It was also worth noting that the water column oscillation was more dependent on the wave period rather than controlled by the wave scattering under different water depths.     

Allowable span length of submarine pipeline in shallow water

Because of the complex geological conditions of the seabed, submarine pipelines buried beneath the ocean floor become suspended over the seabed under the long-term scour of waves eroding the surrounding sediment. Further, most oil fields were built in offshore areas while the country was developing. This gives the waves seen in shallow water obvious nonlinear features, and the abnormal characteristics of these waves must be considered when calculating their hydrodynamic forces. Particularly under such conditions, these suspended spans of submarine pipelines are prone to damage caused by the action of the external environment load. Such damages and eventual failures may result not only in great property losses but also pollution of the marine environment. The span length of these areas is a key predictive factor in pipeline damages. Therefore, determining the allowable span length for these submarine pipelines will allow future projects to avoid or prevent damage from excessive suspended span lengths. Expressions of the hydrodynamic loads placed on suspended spans of pipeline were developed in this work based on the first-order approximate cnoidal wave theory and Morison equation. The formula for the allowable free span length was derived for the common forms of free spanning submarine pipeline based on the point where maximum bending stresses remain less than the material’s allowable stress. Finally, the allowable free span length of real-world pipelines was calculated for a subsea pipeline project in Bohai Bay. This research shows that, with consideration for the complicated marine environment, existing suspended spans are within allowable length limitations. However, continuing to limit the length of these submarine pipeline spans in the Nanpu oil field will require ongoing attention.     

非对称垂荡式振荡水柱波能转换装置的水动力性能

为提升波能转换装置的经济竞争力,针对非对称垂荡式振荡水柱（OWC）波能转换装置,基于势流理论和匹配特征函数展开法,通过引入盖根堡多项式近似表征结构尖角附近的流场奇异性行为,深入研究后墙吃水深度（非对称）、墙体厚度和线性弹簧系数对垂荡式OWC装置的波能转换效率、透射系数、气室内平均液面高程等水动力参数的影响规律。研究结果显示,后墙吃水深度及墙体厚度的增加会提升装置在长波区域的高效转换能力,并且显著提高结构物整体阻波防浪性能;线性弹簧的出现,能调节水柱振荡和结构垂荡运动响应之间的相位差,从而有效拓宽垂荡式OWC装置的高效频率带。