Modélisation numérique et expérimentale de la captation d'énergie houlomotrice : application aux essais à échelle réduite en bassin

The behaviour of wave energy converters (WEC) is non-linear and complex to model accurately, especially due to the fluid–structure interaction and the randomness of the wave. The ability of a WEC to recover some of the wave energy depends on the control strategy used and the reliability of the behaviour model. Numerical computation time must remain reasonable in order to allow real–time control. In this context, perfect fluid calculations are used to model the fluid-structure interaction at first order. This diffraction–radiation approach highlights the delay functions of the system, a detailed analysis of which has been carried out in this work and illustrated on a reference case. This thesis proposes to establish a method applicable to the modelling of any type of multi-body WEC. The formulation of the hydrodynamic forces resulting from the assumptions of perfect fluid is then supplemented with semi–empirical terms in order to take into account non–linear effects. The viscous forces represented are particularly influential in the vicinity of the motion resonances. This method also allows the integration of experimental data into the numerical model. Experimental work was therefore carried out in order to understand, quantify and integrate the effects observed experimentally for an anchored body into the numerical model. Finally, elements in favor of an experimental campaign for a two-body system are presented.