Site-specific optimization of an OWC wave energy converter in a Mediterranean area

This study presents a preliminary site-specific optimization of a traditional OWC wave energy converter in an offshore Mediterranean area. The wave energy potential is assessed by means of numerical modelling wave hindcasting, the scatter matrix for the given site is reconstructed and the most energetic wave condition is identified. The OWC is optimized based on small-scale laboratory experiments and CFD numerical modelling. A numerical wave flume, once calibrated and validated, is used to complement laboratory experiments. The preliminary results indicate that the pneumatic efficiency can reach about 80%.