Maths of a new wave-energy converter

Rogue waves are anomalously high waves that appear rarely in the oceans and are therefore difficult to predict. Understanding their wave height and occurrence is relevant to maritime and coastal engineering given their potential to damage ships, maritime, and coastal structures.

A team of investigators from the University of Leeds (LIFD), the University of Nottingham and The Netherlands has explored the nonlinear wave amplification phenomena of a man-made rogue wave through experimental testing, mathematical modelling and numerical computations. The observed amplification phenomena have led to the development of a novel wave-energy device with magnetically induced energy generation. A novel mathematical model is also derived for the combined wave hydrodynamics, wave-activated buoy motion and electric power generation by magnetic induction. Preliminary finite-element simulations of a simplified wave-energy model are encouraging and involve a first study of the resonant behaviour of the device.

Further details can be found in the relevant article recently published in the Water Waves journal.