Co-Design of Marine Energy Converters for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Docking and Recharging - Test Data and Processing

This dataset contains experimental results from testing the Halona wave energy converter (WEC) in both fixed and floating configurations. This dataset reflects a 1/10th scale omnidirectional spar buoy oscillating water column (OWC) device, designed to improve platform stability for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) docking. Tests were conducted at the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory's Directional Wave Basin, replicating field conditions anticipated for a full-scale deployment at Kilo Nalu, Oahu. The experiments included unidirectional and directional wave conditions, spanning regular and irregular waves, with varying power take-off (PTO) damping settings represented by different orifice plates. Data collected include differential pressure across orifice plates, six-degree-of-freedom motion capture, surface elevation, and mooring tension forces, with units clearly labeled and standardized.

Data products include pressure, surface elevation, mooring tension, and PhaseSpace Motion response data, as well as normalized Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs), normalized chamber pressures, and capture efficiencies. Data are provided below in the zip files, with 'RNG' and 'Reg' identifiers for irregular and regular wave tests respectively, and are labelled with alpha values (percentage relating to opening ratio). Comprehensive MATLAB scripts for data analysis and figure generation are included. The tests support validation of OpenFOAM and ProteusDS models. Use of the dataset assumes familiarity with wave energy converter testing, MATLAB software, and standard hydrodynamic modeling practices. Results from this testing are detailed in publications by Ulm, Huang, and Cross (2023, 2024, and 2025). A Post Access Report summarizing the experimental methods and findings is also attached.