Integrated dynamic modeling of a point absorber wave energy converter in regular and irregular waves

Abstract

Wave energy offers the highest energy density when compared to other renewable energy resources, and its energy potentials are huge. Different technologies such as point absorbers are been developed to capture the wave power. Vigorous testing, evaluation procedures, and assessments of the device performances under different wave conditions are critically important. In this paper, an integrated dynamic model of a point absorber wave energy converter is developed to evaluate its dynamic behavior. The hydrodynamic and hydrostatic parameters of the system are discussed. A direct drive linear generator power takeoff is considered. A phase control strategy is used to maximize the power extracted by the generator and stored in a battery. The simulation results under regular and irregular waves are presented to illustrate the overall performances of the system.