Hybrid Floating Tidal Turbine and Wave Energy Converter Platform: Numerical Study on Mooring Configurations and Platform Stability

Abstract Tidal currents represent a highly predictable and promising renewable energy source. While technical feasibility of fixed-bottom tidal turbine technology has been demonstrated in several pilot projects, its commercial viability, especially large-scale application remains challenged by the high installation, operation, and maintenance costs. This paper presents a novel floating hybrid platform design integrating dual tidal turbines with wave energy converters (WECs), a joint development between researchers in Singapore and China. The aim is to provide an alternative cost-efficient platform solution for harvesting marine renewable energy. The proposed system utilises a mono-hull configuration with two lateral tidal turbines, while integrated WECs serve the purpose of enhancing platform stability and harvesting additional wave energy. To evaluate system performance, numerical models were developed using open-source tools to simulate the coupled hydrodynamics of the turbines and WECs, focusing specifically on the global motion responses of the platform which could influence the power capture efficiency of the energy devices. Furthermore, various mooring configurations were investigated to optimise mooring line tension and minimise platform excursions. Results indicate that the hybrid platform maintains stable performance under low to moderate sea states and that optimised mooring designs can contribute to the suppression of platform’s motion. The study provides useful insights for the technical advancement and practical deployment of integrated marine renewable energy systems.