New Results on Hydrodynamic Response of Generic Point-Absorber Wave Energy Converters

Wave energy is a promising new player in the renewable energy market. Several companies and research institutions are involved in the development of wave energy converters (WECs). Point-absorber WECs are wave activated bodies, floating on the ocean’s waves. Their hydrodynamic response is important to ensure good sea keeping properties. Ideally, the heaving motion is maximised and the rolling motions are minimised. In this study, the influence of several configurations of a WEC model on the hydrodynamic response (heave, roll and pitch) is studied, both numerically and physically. Alterations are made to the shape of the device, the vertical position of the centre of gravity, the degrees of freedom and the wave conditions. The hydraulic model tests were performed in a small wave flume. Results show that the vertical position of the centre of gravity has a significant influence on the roll/pitch motion of the floating model, but will not influence the heave motion. Index Terms—Wave Energy Conversion, Point-Absorber, Hydrodynamics, Wave Flume Modelling, Numerical Modelling