Parametrical study on an array of point absorber wave energy converters

Abstract

Based on the developed high-fidelity time-domain simulation framework, this paper presents a parametric study on arrays of point absorber wave energy converters under irregular waves. Its purpose is to assess the effects of coupling among array configuration parameters, array interactions, and array layouts, and to provide guidance for array design. Parameters considered include the incident wavelength, draft, slenderness ratio, bottom shape, Power Take-Off damping, and mooring stiffness. It is shown that the device parameter configuration has a negligible effect on the optimization of the array layout and the performance improvement obtained by tuning the configuration of each device in the array is not significant compared to using the optimal value of the isolated device for the whole array. Therefore, optimizing the parameter configuration of the isolated devices first, and then the layout of the array composed of these devices, is proved to be a more recommended optimization procedure. Finally, the obtained findings and recommended optimization procedures effectively guide the design of a 10-PA-WEC array in a realistic scenario. And the array optimization results support the findings of the parameter study.