On numerical modeling in OWC systems for wave energy conversion

This paper aims to present a review on numerical modelings used to simulate the flow behavior in the Oscillating Water Column system (OWC) for wave energy conversion. The numerical modelings methods included in this paper are ranging from the simplest 1-D model to the fully 3-D viscous unsteady model based on the resolution of the Navier-Stokes equations coupled with the volume of fluid (VOF) approach. The main purpose is to point out the suitable model to be adopted in order to achieve the best operating conditions corresponding for maximum efficiency. In this paper strengths and weaknesses of both viscous and potential flow modeling will be presented and discussed.