  In this paper we investigate the dynamics of the inertial wave energy
converter (ISWEC) device using fully-resolved computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) simulations. Originally prototyped by Polytechnic University of Turin,
the device consists of a floating, boat-shaped hull that is slack-moored to the
sea bed. Internally, a gyroscopic power take off (PTO) unit converts the
wave-induced pitch motion of the hull into electrical energy. The CFD model is
based on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and utilizes the fictitious
domain Brinkman penalization technique to couple the device physics and water
wave dynamics. A numerical wave tank is used to emulate realistic sea operating
conditions. A Froude scaling analysis is performed to enable two- and
three-dimensional simulations for a scaled-down (1:20) ISWEC model. It is
demonstrated that the scaled-down 2D model is sufficient to accurately simulate
the hull's pitching motion and to predict the power generation capability of
the converter. A systematic parameter study of the ISWEC is conducted, and its
optimal performance in terms of power generation is determined based on the
hull and gyroscope control parameters. It is demonstrated that the device
achieves peak performance when the gyroscope specifications are chosen based on
reactive control theory. It is shown that a proportional control of the PTO
control torque is required to generate continuous gyroscope precession effects,
without which the device generates no power. In an inertial reference frame, it
is demonstrated that the yaw and pitch torques acting on the hull are of the
same order of magnitude, informing future design investigations of the ISWEC
technology. Further, an energy transfer pathway from the water waves to the
hull, the hull to the gyroscope, and the gyroscope to the PTO unit is
analytically described and numerically verified.
