Mathematical analysis of a wave energy converter model

In a context where sustainable development should be a priority, Orazov et al. have proposed in 2010, an excitation scheme for buoy-type ocean wave energy converters. The simplest model for this scheme is a non autonomous piecewise linear second order differential equation. The goal of the present paper is to give a mathematical framework for this model and to highlight some properties of its solutions. In particular, we will look at bounded and periodic solutions, and compare the energy-harvesting capabilities of this novel WEC with respect to that of a wave energy converter without mass modulation.