Abstract
This chapter discusses the general theory of hydrodynamics as applied to wave energy conversion (WEC). It first explains the fundamental concepts then introduces the hydrodynamics of wave energy conversion theory. The chapter presents the classification of wave energy converters and describes the main categories of WECs. Wave energy conversion involves interaction of a wave energy converter with water waves. Much of the theory for wave structure interaction has developed in the offshore engineering sector and much of the theory for motion responses of floating structures is derived in naval architecture. WECs involving oscillating bodies involve the motion response of single or multiple oscillators in waves. The action of the waves is used to drive the oscillator, and its motion, relative to the seabed or to another oscillator of different characteristics, is used to drive a generator and convert the motion into electrical power. Oscillating bodies can be categorised according to their complexity.
This is a chapter from Wave and Tidal Energy.