Dr. Cathal Cummins, Heriot-Watt University

Affiliation: Heriot Watt University

Academic webpage

Title: Resonance and viscous losses in wave energy systems

Abstract:
Wave Energy Converters (WECs) harness the motion of ocean waves to generate renewable energy, with sometimes complex dynamics underlying their performance. This talk explores the mathematical modelling of two leading types of WECs, built here in Scotland. Each has distinct characteristics, and each exhibits resonance. While resonance is beneficial for one of the WECs, it is something to be avoided in the other. We will examine the underlying principles of these resonances and reveal how the standard mathematical framework (inviscid potential flow) breaks down under conditions of resonance, partly due to viscous dissipation. A method will be introduced to account for viscous damping within a potential flow framework, known as viscous potential flow.