Mooring Analysis of the Ocean Sentinel through Field Observation and Numerical Simulation
Abstract
This study presents a mooring analysis of the Ocean Sentinel buoy, which is a mobile test platform for Wave Energy Converters. The Ocean Sentinel is owned and operated by the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center (NNMREC) at Oregon State University (OSU). The study involved a field observation as well as a numerical model. The Ocean Sentinel was deployed from 29 Jul 2013-04 Oct 2013 at the NNMREC North Energy Test Site, which is located between 2-3 nautical miles (3.7-5.6 km) offshore of Yaquina Head, north of Newport, OR. It was configured in a three-point mooring system with load cells on each mooring line. Prior to deployment, the numerical model was used for design and testing of the Ocean Sentinel mooring system. After deployment, recorded environmental conditions were coupled with the model to simulate deployed conditions, and model predictions of tension in the mooring lines were compared with actual results. During the field observation, the Ocean Sentinel experienced a maximum wave height of 39.19 ft (11.94 m) and a maximum mooring line tension of 7999.83 lb (35.58 kN). The numerical model showed mixed correlation with the field data, with statistical force prediction errors of 1.26%-843.00%. Follow on work to this study will include verification and validation of the numerical model, as well as uncertainty quantification for the model and field data. The Ocean Sentinel mooring system will also be redesigned before the next deployment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 22, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA611180
Entities
People
- Joshua L. Baker
Organizations
- Oregon State University