Development and testing of a point absorber wave energy conversion device

Wave energy conversion as a means for small scale energy production is approaching commercial viability. This paper presents the undergoing development of a wave energy conversion device at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The device is a three part point absorber with two buoys, one floating and absorbing incoming waves; the other maintaining tension on the third mechanism, the submerged power-take-off unit. This design is discussed as three concept configurations for WEC construction. The analytical solution is developed, and the buoys response is computed due to a selected and analyzed sea-state.