Theoretical Analysis of Wave Energy Converter Consisting of Three Floating Bodies

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of a wave energy converter consisting of three floating bodies which are connected by links and are oscillating subject to a sinusoidal wave. By taking account of the radiation and diffraction problems on an n body system and by using the relation of Haskind, governing equations for a three body system have been obtained under the constraint of links. System parameters such as body distance, configuration of the body, and coefficient of viscous damping have been optimized to get maximumenergy converting efficiency for a symmetrical and especially for an asymmetrical arrangement. The results are that most of the energy in the incident wave can be absorbed in a wide frequency range particularly for an asymmetrical case and that this energy converter will be useful as a wave suppresser since the amplitudes of the transmitted waves are reduced substantially.