Experimental and numerical investigation of a hybrid floating breakwater-WEC system

Nowadays, due to the global warming crisis caused by the emission of greenhouse gases, researchers prioritize renewable energy. Combining energy converters with structures can be a solution to reduce the high costs of renewable energy production. This paper investigated the hydrodynamic characteristics of a sloping floating breakwater (FB) that can operate as a wave energy converter. The sloping FB was designed with a reservoir between two floating parts to collect water. The structure harnesses the power of wave energy by directing overtopping water into a reservoir that is located at a higher level than the average water level. The potential energy generated by the overtopping water is then converted into electrical energy by directing the water from the reservoir back to the sea through a low-head turbine. This research investigated the performance of hybrid sloping FBs with various slope angles. The FBs with 40° and 60° slope angles were studied experimentally in both regular and irregular waves with different heights and periods. Also, the Flow-3D software was utilized to study FBs with other slope angles. The overall results highlight the model's potential for power generation and efficiency as a breakwater, providing valuable insights into its feasibility as a sustainable wave energy conversion solution. •An innovative sloping floating breakwater system designed as an overtopping wave energy converter.•The system consists of two sloping floating parts with a reservoir for collecting the wave overtopping.•The performance of the system with various slope angles is investigated experimentally and numerically.•The hydraulic power and efficiency of the system are investigated for various conditions.•The system showcases significant capabilities in both power generation and coastal protection.