Wave energy extraction from a floating flexible circular plate

Abstract

We present a theoretical model to investigate the hydrodynamics of a floating flexible circular wave energy converter (WEC). Decomposition in rigid and bending elastic modes of the plate allows us to investigate power extraction efficiency in monochromatic incident waves. We show that plate elasticity increases the number of eigenfrequencies, which has a positive beneficial effect on power output. We also show how plate radius and power take-off (PTO) distribution affect the response of the system and the consequent absorbed energy. This work highlights the need to extend theoretical studies and experimental investigations on flexible devices, currently seen as the future of WEC technology.