Experimental research

Researchers at WCWI have developed a significant experimental program over the past five years. Experimental tests at 1:25 scale on hydrodynamics, dynamics, and control for two and three body self-reacting point absorber wave energy converters have proven invaluable for validation of numerical modelling approaches and for pushing the current limits of knowledge on these devices. Other experiments using a small scale wave flume are planned for the investigations of the hydrodynamics, dynamics, and control aspects for pitching flap type wave energy converters.

Figure 1
The first of two self-reacting point absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC) configurations is being tested in regular waves at the Memorial University (MUN) Ocean Engineering Research Centre's Tow Tank in St. John's Newfoundland in July 2013. This image shows the circular pattern of the waves radiating from the WEC as it moves in addition to the incident waves.
Figure 1
A close up of the second of two self-reacting point absorber WEC configurations tested by the WCWI in December 2012 and July 2013. A variety of sensors and instrumentation critical to the WEC's operation are visible, including a laser displacement sensor, an inertial measurement unit, a load cell, motion capture markers, and an accelerometer.
Figure 1
Experimental test set up of the Variable Inertia System Wave Energy Converter (VISWEC) at the Memorial University of Newfoundland
Figure 1
Regular wave generation in the small scale wave flume located at University of Victoria
Figure 1
Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements of the fluid velocity beneath a breaking wave over a submerged reef in the scale wave flume located at University of Victoria.