On the performance of a compact-array OWC device with airflow-pathway shared configurations: An experimental study

Abstract

Building on foundational studies of the compact oscillating water column array device called the “Ring-type AIsled Networking BDB-OWC”, this study proposes merging modules to share common chambers and airflow pathways, aiming to enhance performance and reduce costs by minimizing turbine requirements. A 1:10 scale model was tested under four merging configurations in regular wave scenarios within a wave tank. Key metrics − free-surface elevations, air pressure variations in merged versus individual modules, airflow rates through orifices, and energy-harvesting performance − were compared. Time-history data revealed phase differences and their influences on performance, while statistical analyses highlighted distinctions across merging plans and unmerged configurations. Experimental results demonstrate that merging alters pneumatic damping characteristics, influencing free-surface elevations and air volume transport. Merging near-end modules facing forward incident waves enhanced overall performance, whereas merging far-end modules under oblique waves reduced power capture. The merged modules achieved a peak capture width ratio of 0.38 under possible underestimations from the incident wave power calculations, 1.46 times that of individual modules.