Hydrodynamic Responses of Floating Oscillating Water Column for Wave Energy Conversion

Wave energy is a promising renewable resource due to its high-power density, predictability, and relatively low environmental impact. Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs) have been widely investigated as wave energy converters (WECs), yet floating platforms remain limited by motion responses that reduce stability and efficiency. This study examines the hydrodynamic response of a pontoon-type floater with a centered moonpool for OWC applications. Numerical simulations were performed using the Boundary Element Method (BEM) in ANSYS AQWA, focusing on the heave response amplitude operator (RAO). Case configurations included the moonpool length-to-floater length ratio (l/L) of 0.5, 0.4, and 0.3; moonpool width-to-floater beam ratio (b/B) of 0.5, 0.25, and 0.1; and drafts of 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 m, combined through cross-variation. Validation against experimental results confirmed the reliability of the numerical approach. The results indicate that smaller floaters with higher l/L ratios and larger drafts produce higher heave RAO values, while larger floaters are less affected by the moonpool. Overall, increasing floater size enhances stability and reduces the amplifying effect of draft and moonpool variations on heave response.