Experimental and numerical studies on the hydrodynamic characteristics of a novel Floating Solar-Wave Converter Hub

Offshore energy resources (OER), such as solar, wind, wave, and tidal energy, are widely regarded as supplementary sources to address the growing energy demands. These resources are sustainable and can contribute to mitigating global carbon emissions. Nevertheless, standalone OER systems are often criticized for their relatively low efficiency in generation capacity. Consequently, the concept of hybrid systems that integrate multiple OERs has emerged as a promising alternative for sustainable energy exploitation. This paper presents a new conceptual design for a hybrid Floating Solar-Wave Converter Hub (FloSWACH), which combines a Floating Solar Converter Hub (FloSCH) with four cylindrical floaters that facilitate the integration of Oscillating Water Column-type Wave Energy Converters (OWC-WECs). In this study, we comprehensively analyze its hydrodynamic performance under regular wave conditions through physical model tests and numerical simulations. A notable agreement between the numerical and experimental results is observed. Compared to the FloSCH, the motion response of the FloSWACH in wave conditions around Hong Kong demonstrates a significant improvement in predictability, potentially enhancing the conversion efficiency of solar energy. Furthermore, we emphasize the quantification of the horizontal force and bending moment of the FloSWACH, which are also expected to improve significantly, potentially reducing structural fatigue and enhancing the safety of FloSWACH. This research provides useful information for the design of the connector between the floaters and the superstructure.