Numerical study of a quayside wave energy recovery system in the presence of a dike

Abstract

This study presents a numerical investigation of the hydrodynamic behavior of a quayside wave energy recovery system composed of a rectangular floating buoy oscillating near a rigid vertical dike in intermediate water depth. The main objective is to determine the dimensionless hydrodynamic coefficients (added mass, radiation damping, and excitation force) within the framework of linear potential theory, while explicitly analyzing the influence of key geometric parameters such as the floater’s draft, width, and proximity to the dike. The modeling is based on the Boundary Element Method (BEM), enabling accurate simulation of wave diffraction and radiation phenomena induced by the floater's oscillations. To ensure consistency with the assumptions of the model, the analysis is carried out in the low-frequency regime, which also establishes the range of validity of the results. Numerical results show good agreement with existing experimental and analytical data, validating the proposed approach. The study reveals that the proximity of the dike amplifies wave interferences, significantly increasing radiation damping and excitation forces, especially for intermediate wavelengths. Additionally, increasing the floater's draft reduces the hydrodynamic coefficients and shifts their peak values toward longer wavelengths. Conversely, a wider floater enhances added mass, damping, and excitation force due to increased fluid interaction. These findings highlight the critical role of geometric configurations and environmental parameters in optimizing the efficiency of wave energy converters integrated into coastal infrastructures, aiming to enhance both energy harvesting performance and shoreline protection.