Numerical Model, Design, and Performance of Ocean Wave Energy Converters

Dear Colleagues,

In the current context, where climate change effects are compounded by geopolitical instability, the quest for alternative and reliable energy sources is both an environmental and an economic need. Wave energy is a renewable energy source with the potential to contribute significantly to global energy demands.

However, the commercial viability of wave energy converters still requires significant development, not only on control strategies, but also on logistics, mechanical design, maintenance, and performance assessments.

With the increase in computational power and in the fidelity of numerical models, numerical analysis is simplifying the engineering design of this technology, allowing developers to improve or push the limits of what is possible in physical modeling or field-based research. Moreover, in the same way that numerical modeling changed the paradigm of the study of dynamics from experimental and analytical work to advanced computational models, recent advances in AI are poised to again change the study of fluid mechanics.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering aims to bring together cutting-edge research on numerical modeling, design optimization, and performance evaluation of ocean wave energy converters.

We invite contributions that address key challenges in WEC development, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Numerical methods for modeling wave–structure interactions;
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications in WEC analysis;
• Optimization techniques for WEC design and control;
• Validation of numerical models through experimental and field data;
• Performance assessment and efficiency improvement of WECs;
• Structural integrity and survivability in extreme ocean conditions;
• Integration of WECs into marine energy systems.

This Special Issue seeks to advance the state-of-the-art in numerical simulations and design methodologies to enhance the efficiency, durability, and feasibility of wave energy converters. By gathering contributions from leading researchers in this field, we aim to provide insights that will support the development of next-generation WEC technologies. We encourage academics and researchers to submit their original studies, reviews, and case studies that contribute to the theoretical and practical advancements of ocean wave energy conversion.

We look forward to your submissions.

Dr. Guilherme Moura Paredes
Dr. Claes Eskilsson
Guest Editors

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• wave energy converters
• numerical modeling and optimization
• computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
• extreme ocean conditions
• performance assessment