Abstract
In this paper, wave loads on a wave energy converter consisting of a point absorbing float connected to a linear generator at the seabed are studied using an experimentally verified numerical wavetank with the software OpenFOAM. Two floats with different topologies, moving in six degrees of freedom, are studied. The linear generator contains a directdriven translator that moves in heave only, its motion restricted by both upper and lower endstops. The model corresponds to the wave energy concept developed at Uppsala University, Sweden. In particular, wave loads and survivability are analyzed as function of extreme wave amplitudes and of power take-off damping in the generator. The results show that overtopping waves result in higher peak forces if the translator also hits the upper endstop. If the upper endstop is not hit, the increasing force will even out. It is also seen that increasing generator damping results in less events where the translator hits the upper endstop, and thus lower peak forces.