Analysing wave power absorption by deformable plate wave energy converter placed under an ice cover using a novel numerical technique

This research investigates the interaction of water waves with a piezoelectric plate wave energy converter (pWEC) submerged beneath an ice cover in a marine environment. Two orientations for the pWEC are considered, namely vertical and horizontal, with the fluid domain assumed to be of infinite depth. The ice cover is modelled as a floating purely elastic thin plate without incorporating damping effects, allowing for a detailed understanding of the complex dynamics of wave-ice-pWEC interactions. The behaviour of the ice cover is characterized by applying Kirchhoff's elastic thin plate theory, which accounts for the flexural response of the ice under dynamic environmental conditions. Further, to provide accurate numerical solutions, the study employs a novel approach using Chebyshev approximation and interpolation techniques. These techniques are applied to a set of coupled integral equations derived from the associated boundary value problem. Numerical simulations are conducted to analyse the scattering of water waves by the presence of the ice cover and its impact on the performance of the pWEC submerged in deep water. The findings provide insights into the potential effects of ice cover on the efficiency and reliability of wave energy conversion systems, offering valuable guidance for the design and deployment of such systems in ice-prone regions with infinite water depth. This research contributes to the theoretical advancement of renewable energy technologies and informs strategies for the use of sustainable marine resources in cold climates.