Laboratory Investigation on the Hydrodynamic Response of a Draft Varying Floating Breakwater (and Wave Energy Converter)

The main purpose of this paper is the investigation of the feasibility of a novel hybrid module specifically designed for the Mediterranean Sea. This module is intended to work as an offshore floating breakwater in severe sea states, and alternatively as a wave energy converter in the more frequent mild sea states, depending on its level of submergence. An experimental campaign on a 1:10 module has been carried out in the wave tank of the University of Campania. The dynamic response of the device, as well as its hydraulic performances, was investigated under various wave conditions. The experimental results highlight the possibility of realizing and installing hybrid structures combining energy conversion and wave attenuation.