Wave-to-wire models of Wells and impulse turbines for oscillating water column wave energy converters operating in the Mediterranean Sea

In the article, a wave-to-wire analytical code modelling an entire wave energy converter based on the OWC technology, operating with either a monoplane isolated Wells turbine or an axial impulse turbine, was developed. The simulation tool was applied to screen the geometry of the two typologies of air turbines for a specific chamber under the wave conditions of a selected Mediterranean site located in Sardinia (Italy). In particular, annual and seasonal scatter matrices were utilised to define the wave conditions of the site, providing an overview of the seasonal performance variation. The designed Wells and impulse turbines are capable of converting 47.67 and 41.14 MWh/year and operate with an overall efficiency of 5.77% and 4.98%, respectively.