A CFD simulation of wave loads on a pile-type oscillating-water-column device

Oscillating-water-column (OWC) devices provide a practical and convenient way to convert wave energy to electricity. Wave loads on bottom-sitting WECs are important design parameters for their foundation safety. This study considers an OWC integrated into a bottom-sitting pile structure (an OWC pile). Results from three-dimensional numerical simulations are used to examine the wave loads on an OWC pile. It appears that viscous loads and lateral loads are relatively small. Both the inline and vertical wave forces and the resulting overturning moment are not sensitive to the variability in wave period, but increase with wave height. Scales suitable for the wave forces and overturning moment are proposed for estimating wave loads on the OWC pile.