Hydrodynamic principles of wave power extraction

Abstract

The hydrodynamic principles common to many wave power converters are reviewed via two representative systems. The first involves one or more floating bodies, and the second water oscillating in a fixed enclosure. It is shown that the prevailing basis is impedance matching and resonance, for which the typical analysis can be illustrated for a single buoy and for an oscillating water column. We then examine the mechanics of a more recent design involving a compact array of small buoys that are not resonated. Its theoretical potential is compared with that of a large buoy of equal volume. A simple theory is also given for a two-dimensional array of small buoys in well-separated rows parallel to a coast. The effects of coastline on a land-based oscillating water column are examined analytically. Possible benefits of moderate to large column sizes are explored. Strategies for broadening the frequency bandwidth of high efficiency by controlling the power-takeoff system are discussed.