Note on a real gas model for OWC performance

Oscillating water column (OWC) are devices for wave energy extraction equipped with turbines for energy conversion. The purpose of the present work is to study the thermodynamic of a real gas flow through the turbine and its differences with respect to the ideal gas hypothesis, with the final goal to be applied to OWC systems. The effect of moisture in the air chamber of the OWC entails variations on the atmospheric conditions near the turbine, modifying its performance and efficiency. In this work we study the influence of humid air in the performance of the turbine. Experimental work is carried out and a real gas model is asserted, in order to take a first approach to quantify the extent of influence of the air–water vapour mixture in the turbine performance. The application of a real gas model and the experimental study confirmed the deviations of the turbine performance from the expected values depending on flow rate, moisture and temperature.