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Vertical Double-Flap Wave Energy Converter: A Novel Concept to Capture Power from Ocean Wave
Mehdi Behzad *1 , Mehdi Aziminia2 , Hamid Bab2 , Abuzar Abazari3
1- Professor Mechanical Engineering , School of Mechanical Engineering , Sharif University of Technology
2- Marine Engineering , School of Mechanical Engineering , Sharif University of Technology
3- Associate Professor Marine Engineering , Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Iran
Abstract:   (14 Views)
Wave Energy Converters (WECs) are devices designed to extract electricity from ocean waves. This study introduces a modular flap-type WEC in which a single flap is divided into two vertical segments. This modification aims to investigate its impact on power production. A dynamic model is developed for this dual-flap system, and the governing equations of motion of the system are derived. To account for the interaction between the flaps and the waves, hydrodynamic coefficients and excitation moments are computed using a Boundary Element Method (BEM), which takes the influence of wave-induced forces on each flap into consideration. The rotational motions of both flaps are then analyzed, with an assumption of regular waves. Furthermore, the power generated by each flap is calculated, based on their respective rotational responses. This analysis is aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the dual-flap configuration in harnessing wave energy.
Keywords: Wave Energy Converter )WEC(, vertical double flap, power, water wave, Oscillating Wave Surge Converter (OWSC)
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Highlights:
  1. A novel vertical double‑flap WEC is introduced for wave energy harvesting
  2. Coupled dynamic equations of the double‑flap WEC are derived using Lagrangian mechanics
  3. Wave‑induced hydrodynamic coefficients of the upper and lower flaps are comparatively analyzed
  4. The dynamic response and power production of the vertical double‑flap WEC are investigated
  5. The upper flap is shown to generate higher power due to its larger rotational motion

Type of Study: Research Paper | Subject: Offshore Hydrodynamic
Received: 2025/08/30 | Accepted: 2026/02/15
Audio file of the article abstract [MP3 1977 KB]  (1 Download)
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International Journal of Maritime Technology is licensed under a

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