Abstract
A resistive control strategy to optimize pneumatic power for a floating OWC device is presented. This strategy utilizes a linear, frequency-domain performance model that links an oscillating structure to air-pressure fluctuations with a Wells Turbine in 3-dimensions. An array of field points defining the interior free surface allows hydrodynamic parameters relating to the fluctuating air-pressure within the OWC to be calculated using reciprocity relations. Device structural parameters for a non-optimized BBDB are detailed and the performance model is exercised on this device. A new resonance results from coupling the floating structure to the air-column that is unique from the uncoupled resonance location. An analytic expression for the optimal resistive load to link the floating structure and aircolumn dynamics is presented. When the optimal resistive load is exercised within the model, the natural resonances of the coupled system are preserved and additional linked peaks are identified. This formulation of the optimal resistive load is shown to contribute significantly to the device capture width and power performance.