Modeling of a Variable-Geometry Wave Energy Converter

A variable-geometry wave energy converter (VGWEC) is presented in this article. The proposed device is designed with multiple controllable panels and a gas chamber. This design allows the buoy to change shape in response to changing wave conditions. A hydrothermodynamic model is developed for the VGWEC and numerical simulations are conducted on the proposed design. First, the hydrodynamic model of the buoy is validated with the classical force oscillation model. Then, a comparison between a VGWEC with a fixed-geometry wave energy converter (FGWEC) is conducted via simulations. The simulation results show that the proposed design has a significant increase in power production compared to the FGWEC when both are controlled using a simple linear damping power take-off unit.