Field experiment on a U-OWC wave energy converter in confused sea waves

The U-Oscillating Water Column (U-OWC) is a device belonging to the family of OWCs. Such a device is able to absorb the energy propagated from a train of incident waves and to produce electrical energy via adequate turbines. In contrast to classical OWCs, the U-OWC incorporates a small vertical U-shaped duct to connect the water column to the open wave field. The paper discusses the results of a field experiment on a U-OWC model. The experimental activity involved a U-OWC designed for working with a 2kW turbine in sea states with significant wave height ranging between 0.9m and 1.2m. The paper analyses system outputs, when a certain excitation acts on the U-OWC opening. Specifically, it shows the inner free surface displacement and the pressure in the air chamber. In addition, the paper shows results related to the performance of the plant by highlighting the good performance from an energy-wise perspective.