An efficient multi-factor geometry optimization based on motion analysis and resonance response for hinged...

Area of Science:

• Marine Engineering
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Naval Architecture

Background:

• Traditional geometric optimization for multi-body floating wave energy converters (WECs) is costly and time-consuming.
• Efficient optimization strategies are crucial for practical engineering applications of WECs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate an efficient geometry optimization strategy for hinged double-body WECs.
• To analyze the influence of buoy geometric parameters on pitching motion and energy conversion.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulation was employed to analyze the effects of buoy geometric parameters (radius, draft, length) on WEC performance.
• An efficient multi-factor geometry optimization strategy was developed based on motion analysis and resonance response.

Main Results:

• Buoy resonance is primarily dependent on radius and draft, not length.
• Buoy length significantly impacts the pitching phase difference between adjacent buoys.
• Optimal WEC length approximates the wavelength; optimal buoy diameter is ~25% of buoy length; optimal draft is ~61% of diameter.

Conclusions:

• The proposed optimization strategy significantly reduces the time and cost associated with WEC geometric design.
• The identified optimal geometric parameters provide a guideline for designing efficient hinged double-body WECs for specific sea conditions.