A Serpent-Type Wave Energy Converter

The problem of the interaction of waves with a wave energy converter was investigated and a 3D original analytical solution was derived. The hydrodynamic loads, the equation of motion, and the optimal operation of the converter were derived analytically. The results show that a wave power captured by the converter increases with increasing wave length until a maximum and then decreases. A more complex effect on the efficiency of the device possesses the parameters of a converter. The results show that a converter efficiency increases with decreasing the stiffness of a device in shallow and intermediate waters. In deep water, the converter efficiency increases with increasing a stiffness until a local maximum and then decreases. Moreover, the converter efficiency increases with increases the mass of a device in shallow and intermediate waters. In deep water, the converter efficiency decreases with increases the mass of a device. The values of optimal parameters and a wave spectrum for which the efficiency of the converter is maximum were determined. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted. The comparisons of recorded data with the analytical solution shows a very good agreement. A need for further research on the proposed wave energy converter is discussed.