~Optimal geometry of an axisymmetric wave energy converter

There have been a number of theoretical, experimental and pilot-scale studies on wave energy converters with varying shapes and designs, but due to the complex nature of wave-body hydrodynamics, as yet there is not one single three-dimensional shape that is agreed-upon to be optimal for wave power extraction. Our objective is to determine the optimal geometry to maximize power uptake over a spectrum of incident waves. As an initial investigation, we consider an axisymmetric floating wave power extraction device operating in heave. We assume linear wave conditions. The body geometry is described by smooth polynomial basis functions and is allowed to be completely general, subject to simple constraints. We consider a linear power uptake with a fixed damping coefficient (which could be optimized). For each frequency in the spectrum, hydrodynamic coefficients are calculated using a linear frequency-domain panel method. Then, for a specific incident wave spectrum, maximal extractable power is integrated over the entire spectrum. We will discuss the optimal geometry and associated maximum power for different geometrical constraints and wave conditions.