Numerical Hydrodynamic and Mooring Optimization of a Wave Energy Converter for the Mexican Coast
Meneses Gonzalez, P.; Moreno, E.; Troch, P.; Mendoza, E. (2026). Numerical Hydrodynamic and Mooring Optimization of a Wave Energy Converter for the Mexican Coast. Water 18(7): 865. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w18070865
In: Water. MDPI: Basel. ISSN 2073-4441; e-ISSN 2073-4441, more
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| Author keywords |
wave energy converter;mooring system optimization;marine renewable energy;toroidal WEC |
| Authors | | Top |
- Meneses Gonzalez, P.
- Moreno, E.
- Troch, P., more
- Mendoza, E.
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| Abstract |
This study presents a hydrodynamic assessment of a toroidal wave energy converter (WEC) operating under low-energy conditions of the west coast of Mexico. Performance analysis incorporates the coupling surge, heave, and pitch motions. To investigate mooring-device interaction, two mooring configurations were examined: (A) a single catenary system and (B) a catenary system with a surface-floating buoy. The WEC was evaluated under operational conditions, operational conditions with a constant surface current, and extreme seas. The results show that under operational conditions, the WEC-mooring B configuration achieves higher energy capture than the WEC-mooring A configuration, with performance peaks at 13 s and 11 s, respectively. The presence of a surface current does not significantly influence absorbed power. Under extreme conditions, mooring B reduces mooring-line stresses but causes greater horizontal foundation forces and increased floater drift compared to mooring A. When mooring effects are included, mooring A's performance is advantageous because it shifts peak energy capture toward the dominant sea states at the study site. This maintains better station-keeping capability and achieves a maximum capture width ratio (CWR) of approximately 0.5. |
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