The first worldwide application at full-scale of the REWEC3 device in the Port of Civitavecchia: initial energetic performances

The Resonant Wave Energy Converter 3 (REWEC3) is a wave energy converter belonging to the family of Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs). It comprises an oscillating water column and an air pocket connected to a turbine, as for traditional OWCs. In addition, it has a small vertical U-shaped duct used for connecting the water column to the open wave field. Because of this particular geometrical configuration, it is also known as U-Oscillating Water Column (U-OWC). During the past decade, small scale field experiments and theoretical analyses proved its potential for full scale applications. Currently, a fullscale prototype is working in the port of Civitavecchia, where a REWEC3 has been constructed within the context of a major port enlargement. This paper shows the results of the monitoring activity conducted during the month of November of a single chamber equipped with pressure gauges. The results show the performance of the REWEC3 in wind-generated seas having a significant wave height of about 2–3 m