Finding the best shape of floating wave energy converters for different primary geometries: Experimental and numerical investigations

This research aimed to identify the optimal geometry for maximizing wave energy extraction from wave energy converters (WECs) by employing different primary geometries of floating bodies (specifically, cube, cylinder, and sphere). Laboratory experiments were conducted using a wave tank to generate waves with varying characteristics. The floats were subjected to waves of different wave conditions, including height (4 cm, 6 cm, and 9 cm) and frequency (0.9 Hz and 0.83 Hz). Multiple probes and sensors were used to collect experimental data. The results revealed that when hit by a wave with a height of 9 cm and a frequency of 0.9 Hz, the rectangular cube experienced an average displacement of 12 cm and 14 cm along its length, with the same weight and draft, respectively. Furthermore, comparisons of the experimental data across different scenarios indicated that the rectangular cube, elongated perpendicular to the incident waves, performed well in most of the test cases. The efficiency of primary wave energy conversion was evaluated for all floated bodies and wave conditions, encompassing a range of values from 0.02 to 0.34. Additionally, numerical simulations of wave and float displacement demonstrated good agreement with the experimental observations.