Experimental investigation of 1:25 scaled model of Pendulum Wave Energy Converter

The experimental campaign of the 1:25 Pendulum Wave Energy Converter (PeWEC) scaled model is presented with the aim to understand the hydrodynamic behaviour of the device in operative and severe sea state conditions. The experimental setup is described and particular attention has been given to the mooring system scaling procedure and realization. Tests of system identification, irregular waves and extreme waves of the floating-moored model of the PeWEC device have been performed at the University of Naples Federico II. The results of the hydrodynamic analysis shows the influence of non-linearities depending on the sea condition. In addition the influence of the wavefront direction is evaluated through the loads acting on the mooring lines, resulting favorable for a wave front acting on the bow of the hull.