A new open source solver for modelling fluid-structure interaction: case study of a point-absorber wave energy converter with power take-off unit

In this work, the capabilities of the open source code DualSPHysics coupled with the multiphysics library Project Chrono are shown. The framework is validated through an experimental campaign performed on a wave energy converter, which consists of a cylindrical heaving-buoy and a power take-off unit. The numerical model proves to correctly reproduce the hydrodynamic response of the wave energy converter under regular waves, and with three different damping coefficients of the power take-off. With this validated setup, the sensitivity of a wave energy converter to the lateral stiffness of the anchoring system is investigated. The outcomes of this numerical campaign show that the correct design of the anchoring structure should develop along with the design of the system. Enough lateral stiffness is able to avoid excessive displacements to limit the loss of efficiency. DualSPHysics is a toolbox ready to manage complex simulations, including mechanical constraints, high energetic sea states. Various scenarios along the lifespan of a floating structure can be investigated. More importantly, the model supports the preliminary studies that are of vital importance to design a test campaign.