Numerical and experimental analysis of a wave energy converter in extreme waves

In the present paper, a numerical and experimental analysis for a wave energy converter under extreme environmental conditions is carried out. After the definition of design waves, including a 100-year return period stochastic sea state and a deterministic rogue wave condition, a numerical analysis using potential theory and a RANS equations solver are compared with experiments carried out at the Seakeeping Basin at the Technical University of Berlin. Results are discussed with special emphasis on the limits of potential theory methods for the evaluation of extreme wave conditions and the use of the presented methodology for early design stages.