EVERGREEN

Joint Journal of Novel Carbon Resource Sciences and Green Asia Strategy

ISSN:2189-0420 (Print until Mar 2020)
ISSN:2432-5953 (Online)

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Performance of Multi Chamber Oscillating Water Columns: Effects of Chamber Configuration and Power Absorption

Adnan Sandy Dwi Marta1,2,*, Agus Wibowo1, Bondan Fiqi Riyalda1, Fuad Darul Muttaqin1, Amar Makruf Tinulad Fil Ardli1, Amien Rusdiutomo1, Wahyu Hendriyono2, Affandy Hamid2, Qidun Maulana Binu Soesanto3, Ristiyanto Adiputra2
1Directorate of Laboratory Management, Research Facilities, and Science and Technology Park, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
2Research Center for Hydrodynamics Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
3Research Center for Energy Conversion and Conservation, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
E-mail: adna001@brin.go.id (ASDM)
Evergreen, Vol. 13, Iss. 01, pp. 173–187, 2026
DOI: 10.5109/7407643
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Received: May 28, 2025 | Revised: August 04, 2025 | Accepted: December 17, 2025 | Published: March 2026
Abstract
Oscillating Water Column (OWC) is a promising green energy technology for wave energy conversion, accounting for 26.79% of global wave energy converter applications. This study investigates the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance of multi-chamber OWC systems with variations in chamber inclination angles (0°, 20°, and 40°) and the number of chambers (2, 3, and 4). Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and the RNG turbulence model to analyze flow characteristics under regular wave conditions. Key parameters evaluated include free surface elevation, air pressure, air velocity, power distribution, and power absorption. Results indicate that the highest free surface elevation (1.545 m) occurred in a 4-chamber configuration with a 0° inclination. The maximum air pressure (774,804 Pa), air velocity (36.356 m/s), and power distribution (23.58 kWh) were found in a 3-chamber system with a 40° inclination. Meanwhile, the highest total power absorption (42.79 kWh) was observed in a 4-chamber system with a 40° inclination. The 4-chamber configuration with a 40° inclination showed the best performance, achieving 42.79 kWh of power and 0.86 efficiency—outperforming 3-cahmber and 2-chamber setups by 52% and 77%, respectively. Generally, configurations with more chambers resulted in greater power absorption but lower individual pressure and velocity peaks. Increased inclination tends to reduce water surface oscillation. These findings provide insights for optimizing multi-chamber OWC design for improved wave energy capture.
Keywords
inclination; multi chamber; OWC; power absorption; wave energy converter
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