Effects of OWC geometry on total energy efficiency and turbulent dissipation
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Almalki, YR
Karmpadakis, I
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of front and back wall geometries on the performance of oscillating water column (OWC) devices embedded in a fixed caisson breakwater. Combining experimental and numerical approaches, we analyse vortex formation and energy efficiency in relation to draft designs. Experiments, conducted at the Hydrodynamics Laboratory, Imperial College London, explores widest variety of draft shapes in the literature, including sharp and rounded profiles. Large eddy simulations (LES) were conducted using OpenFOAM® at laboratory and field scales to assess scale effects. The simulations accurately reproduce experimental data and reveal how draft geometry influences vortex dynamics, turbulence, and energy efficiency. It is shown that the design of the front and back drafts of an OWC can have a profound impact on its energy efficiency. In quantifying the generation of turbulence across different geometries, guidance is provided towards the most efficient geometries as well as the effects of physical model scale. Physical insight in this study provide clear recommendations for practical considerations in the design of OWC.
Date Issued
2026-05-01
Date Acceptance
2026-03-10
Citation
Applied Ocean Research, 2026, 170
ISSN
0141-1187
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
Applied Ocean Research
Volume
170
Copyright Statement
© 2026 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
105026
Date Publish Online
2026-03-17