wave energy

It is well-known that the power production of a wave energy converter can be significantly increased if we can tune it to respond optimally to each incoming wave. This project aims to develop fast wave-by-wave prediction tools to accurately predict weakly nonlinear waves in unidirectional and multidirectional seas. Applications range from wave energy control to offshore operations and recreational activities.

The M4 is a multi-float wave energy converter developed by Professor Peter Stansby from the University of Manchester. This project seeks to develop a numerical tool to optimise the design of the device. The tool couples a dynamic model of the device and a boundary element software.

Parametric resonance is a nonlinear phenomenon in which an oscillating system responds at a frequency different from the excitation frequency. Some wave energy converters are prone to this phenomenon, which can degrade their performance. The aim of this project is to develop fast, simplified models to capture this nonlinear response in the time domain.