Analyzing the performance of wave-energy generator systems (SSG) for the Southern Coasts of Iran, in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea

The Sea-wave Slot-cone Generator (SSG) wave-energy device is a type of electric energy converting structure that converts energy from sea waves, and which is designed and installed based on wave-overtopping in areas. Most of the previous studies have evaluated SSG systems based on hypothetical waves, considering the system geometry variations. However, it is important to consider the real wave conditions. This paper presents the results of a numerical study to investigate the performances of an SSG system in the context of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, where there is a strong need for renewable energies. The computational fluid dynamic (CFD) code Flow-3D was applied. First of all, available experimental data were applied to calibrate and evaluate the accuracy of the numerical model. Then, the real wave conditions on the coasts of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea were imposed on the JONSWAP spectrum for the numerical modeling. Results of the study demonstrated that the hydraulic efficiency of the SSG system in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea was low for wave heights lower than 0.5 m. The nominal efficiency of the system was relatively more than 60% for wave heights higher than 1 m; thus, the performance of the SSG system was suitably evaluated. Finally, the numerical results demonstrated that the most optimal conditions, with a nominal efficiency of 97%, were obtained for incident waves that had a height of 2 m and a period of 5.6 s. In this case, the hydraulic performance of the system was maximum.