Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

The challenge of developing numerical models for wave energy converters (WECs) is significant because of the wide range of WEC technologies that currently exists. This challenge is increased because the literature pertaining to the numerical modelling of WECs is spread over a range of publications that are often difficult or expensive to obtain. This book is intended to aggregate the information on the numerical modelling of WECs into a single resource. The history of the numerical modelling of WECs is relatively short, starting in 1974. Over the subsequent 40 years the range of techniques for the modelling of WECs and WEC arrays has slowly increased to provide the range of options that are currently available. The book consists of four parts. The first part contains details of numerical models whose hydrodynamics are based on linear potential flow, the most common type of numerical modelling techniques for WECs. The second part contains details of other modelling techniques used for individual WECs that are not based on linear potential flow theory. The third part deals with the modelling of arrays of WECs, whilst the fourth part considers how these models may be used in the design of WECs and wave farms. The contents of this book are the result of a large amount of collaborative effort and support, which is acknowledged.