Analysis of Optimal Shape and Layout of Multiple Wave Energy Converters using an Enhanced Differential Evolution Algorithm

초록

As various AI techniques have advanced, there are active attempts to apply these technologies not only in the field of ships but also in offshore plants. Especially, these technologies allow for efficiently performing complex calculations or finding specific patterns in irregular results, enabling research that was difficult with conventional technology. In the case of wave power generation systems, the size and placement of the structures have a direct impact on the efficiency of power generation, making it crucial to find the optimal shape and layout that can produce the maximum power output under specific environmental conditions. However, this process involves a vast number of possibilities and requires extensive calculations. Therefore, by using one of the AI techniques, the optimization algorithm, it is possible to reduce the number of calculations and efficiently achieve desired results quickly. Previous research has used the differential evolution algorithm to calculate the optimal shape and placement of multiple cylindrical wave energy converters. In this study, the Boundary Element Method (BEM)-based hydrodynamic program, known as the Numerical Wave Tank (NWT), which was previously developed and validated for analyzing the behavior of floating structures under linear potential flow assumptions, was integrated whit the DE algorithm through and advanced programming language, Python, to establish an analysis process. This enabled the calculation of the optimal structure size and spacing for extracting maximum wave power energy in conditions where multiple cylindrical wave energy structures were aligned in front of a vertical breakwater using the DE algorithm optimization process. However, this research was limited to regular waves, thus limiting comprehensive analysis. Therefore, in this study, we aim to find the optimal shape and placement of a wave energy converters under irregular wave conditions. Additionally, the existing differential evolution algorith