Research on Parameter Influence of Wave Energy Converter Based on Optimal Damping

During research on Pelamis-Like wave energy converters based on AQWA, influence of buoys structural parameters on capturing energy is generally considered under a specific damping. However, different buoys structural parameters match variable optimal damping values. Studying through a particular damping all the time may interfere with buoys structural parameters analysis and cause incomplete results. This paper optimizes parameters of Pelamis-Like wave energy converters through Isight, AQWA and Matlab to ensure an optimal match between buoys structural parameters and optimal damping. Taking China’s sea conditions of short-wave period and small wavelength into account, the influence of buoys structural parameters ( float section, ratio between buoy length and wavelength, draft and number of buoys) and wave parameters ( wave period and amplitude) on capturing energy and factor are analyzed in a comprehensive manner under optimal damping conditions. The results show that elliptical buoy section can improve capturing energy ability. A large amount of energy can be obtained when buoy length approaches to half of wavelength. Increasing the draft has a smaller impact on capturing energy, and 4 or 5 buoys are better for capturing energy. By optimizing buoy length and capturing energy characteristics, the suitable buoy length for Chinese sea conditions is proposed.