Three-dimensional Analysis of Wave Transmission and Sheltered Area of Floating Breakwaters

Abstract

The growing demand for renewable energy has driven advancements in ocean exploration technologies involving floating structures. These structures are exposed to waves, requiring careful design to ensure safety. To enhance protection, the present research focuses on floating breakwaters designed to mitigate wave action. When considering regular waves, the wave transmission coefficient (K_t) for two-dimensional (2D) box-type floating breakwaters is well-defined in the literature. However, the wave transmission coefficient computation for three-dimensional (3D) floating breakwaters still requires a standardized method. In this context, this study conducts a parametric analysis of a box-type floating breakwater, using numerical models based on potential flow theory to determine the 3D wave transmission coefficient. Results reveal that, unlike 2D cases, different K_t levels emerge for a given 3D scenario. These findings suggest that breakwaters featuring high relative breakwater beam ratios are likely to present convergent mean wave transmission coefficients. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that the wave-shelter area is highly dependent on the breakwater beam ratio, with larger ratios leading to lower K_t levels. The sheltered area changes exponentially with the K_t levels. In addition, a practical application is introduced, leveraging machine learning techniques to predict the wave-shelter area and optimize breakwater dimensions. The proposed design minimizes construction costs while ensuring effective wave attenuation for a one megawatt-peak floating solar photovoltaic system. These findings enhance understanding of the wave transmission coefficient for 3D floating breakwaters, highlighting that variations in breakwater dimensions and wave conditions significantly influence the sheltered area, which impacts the protection of offshore structures.

Keywords

Breakwater / Wave transmission coefficient / Machine learning / Offshore structure protection / Renewable energy

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