Wave flume experiments on two-dimensional oscillating water column wave energy devices

Experiments were performed in a wave flume with regular waves of very small amplitude-to-wavelength ratio (less than 0.01). Their purpose was mainly the validation of the oscillating surface pressure theory of Sarmento and Falcão (1985) applied to wave energy absorption by oscillating water column (OWC) devices. Experimental and theoretical curves for the efficiency and for the reflection and transmission coefficients were obtained and compared. The test also included the validation of the two-wave-gauge experimental procedure used to decouple direct and reflected wave trains, as well as the effects of increasing the depth of immersion of the OWC overhang on the efficiency-wave period curves.