SWELL: An open-access experimental dataset for arrays of wave energy conversion systems

Achieving large-scale commercial exploitation of ocean wave energy inherently encompasses the design and deployment of arrays of wave energy converters (WECs), in an effort to reduce the associated levelised cost of energy. In this context, understanding the interactions between devices in a controlled WEC array is hence essential to achieve optimal layout configurations, as well as to provide guidance on the area required for array installation, reliability, life-time, and overall cost of the farm. Successful achievement of these vital objectives for the wave energy industry has been constantly aided by the use of appropriate numerical models. Regardless of the specific modelling approach adopted, model reliability is always a major concern: Numerical models need to able be to represent reality to be useful in supporting the different stages of development, hence providing significant results for decision making. To test reliability of a model, experimental results are an invaluable asset for validation.