Numerical Modelling of Wave Energy Converters

Chapter 11

Phase-Averaging Wave Propagation Array Models

M. Folley    School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Abstract

Models of wave energy converter (WEC) arrays that use phase-averaged wave propagation models, also called spectral wave models, rely on the conservation of action (energy) density, which propagated across a grid of points. The action density is defined as the spectral energy density divided by the wave frequency and is used (rather than the energy density) because this is conserved in the presence of marine currents; however, they are equivalent in still water. In a spectral wave model the action (energy) density is propagated using linear wave theory, ...