The investigation of a segment multi-chamber oscillating water column in physical scale model

Wave Energy Converters (WECs) are being developed as a viable green energy solution to meet power needs for coastal communities. This paper presents the initial work on a fixed multi-chamber OWC (MCOWC) concept. The paper reports theoretical and experimental modeling. It begins with initial tests to verify the simple idealized model of a fixed OWC multi-chamber concept. These take place under small-amplitude regular-wave wave tank conditions. The analysis is carried through to assess the effect of the Capture Width (Hydrodynamic efficiency). Experimental data is put forward from the mounting of level sensors and anemometers to test the hydrodynamic performance of a fixed MCOWC at different wave periods. The orifice effects of the chamber on the relative amplitudes of the inner free water surface and air flow rate in the duct are investigated. The experimental results will be used as real case data in order to optimize the orifice area and to maximize the chamber power according to the air flow velocity above the water surface inside the chambers.