Numerical simulation of an oscillating water column device and investigating the effects of lip submergence on velocity and pressure

Ocean wave energy is one of the least exploited energy sources. Oscillating water column devices has been a sustainable means for generating electricity utilizing wave current for many years. It converts the energy of ocean wave into pressure gradient which can be used to rotate a Well’s turbine to produce electricity. Although it has been used commercially in some places there is much room for improvements considering its design and efficiency. The condition of the ocean wave experienced along the coastline of Bangladesh was used as a reference. In spite of having a long coastal line, the prospect of renewable wave energy has not been studied for this particular region. The analysis of an Oscillating Water Column device has been done and comparison of lip submergence parameter and its effect on pressure and velocity has been observed. The front lip submergence is an important parameter for an OWC device. The effects of front lip submergence of 0.25m, 0.75m, and 1.25m on the velocity and pressure were analyzed using commercially available software ANSYS. The multiphase VOF model was used for setting up the physics. Also, the comparison of various parameter changes like velocity, pressure has been analyzed. It was observed that less lip submergence yields in both increases in pressure and velocity. It is recommended to use a 0.25m lip submergence for an Oscillating Water Column device.