Hydrodynamic modelling of a direct drive wave energy converter

In this article we present numerical studies of waves interacting with a cylindrical point absorber that is directly driving a seabed based linear generator. For waves useful for power conversion, the wave/point absorber interaction can be modelled, using potential theory assuming an inviscid irrotational incompressible fluid. The generator is modelled as a viscous damper. This paper pays special attention to the case when the converter is in resonance with the wave. The power capture capability of the system has been studied both for a harmonic wave and for real ocean waves.