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Wave energy harvesting exploits the kinetic and potential energy of ocean surface waves to generate electricity. As a high-energy-density and highly predictable renewable resource, wave energy offers strong potential to complement offshore wind and other marine renewables, particularly in energetic coastal and offshore environments.
Our Research Focus
Our work on wave energy harvesting emphasises high-fidelity hydrodynamic modelling, including CFD and potential-flow-based approaches, to understand energy capture mechanisms, nonlinear interactions, and device performance under realistic sea states. We investigate single-device and array configurations, device survivability, and the integration of wave energy systems with other offshore infrastructures.
Methodology
We develop a multi-body-dynamics-based CFD numerical wave tank to model wave energy converters and support design optimisation. The framework resolves nonlinear wave–body interactions under regular and irregular sea states, with two-way coupling between hydrodynamic loads and six-degree-of-freedom body motions, including articulated components, power take-off systems, and moorings. The validated model is used for parametric studies and array analyses to assess energy capture, motions, and loads, providing guidance for efficient and robust wave energy harvesting.
Featured Research Outputs
Chen, Hao, et al. "Hydrodynamic and energy-harvesting performance of an array of taut-moored point-absorber wave energy converters." Energy (2025): 138546.
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