Ocean wave energy absorption in response to wave period and amplitude - offshore experiments on a wave energy converter

The ability of a wave energy converter to capture the energy of ocean waves has been studied in offshore experiments. This study covers 50 days during which the converter was subjected to ocean waves over a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes as well as three different electrical loads. The results present the wave energy converter´s energy absorption as a function of significant wave height, energy period and electrical load. It is shown that the power generated overall continues to increase with wave amplitude, whereas the relative absorption decreases towards the highest periods and amplitudes. The absorption reached a maximum of approximately 24´ with the used combination of buoy, generator and electrical load. Absorption to cover for iron and mechanical losses has not been included. A brief study of the nature of the electromagnetic damping force has also been included in the study. The wave energy converter is of the technology that is being researched at Uppsala University and experimented on off the Swedish west coast at the Lysekil wave energy research site.