Abstract
The optimal arrangement of multiple wave energy converters (WECs) is an important topic that can greatly affect the efficiency of ocean energy extraction. This study used various algorithms to optimize multiple heaving-buoy-type hemispherical WEC associated with a sloped wall-type breakwater. To this end, a calculation framework linking a three-dimensional frequency-domain numerical wave tank (FR-NWT) based on the Rankin panel method and an optimization algorithm was established. The fitness function for optimization was set to the power efficiency of WEC. The algorithms used were a genetic algorithm, simulated annealing algorithm, particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO), and advanced PSO algorithm. Under irregular wave conditions, optimization of the spacing between each WEC, the distance between the WEC and the breakwater, the diameter and draft of the WEC, the bottom length and slope angle of the breakwater were performed. The results of the advanced PSO algorithm were consistent and did not converge to local maxima. The excellence of the advanced PSO algorithm in this study was demonstrated.