When an array of oscillating buoy wave energy converters is deployed in front of the breakwater, there will be complex hydrodynamic interactions between the buoy absorbers of each converter. This interaction can affect the buoys' motion and the corresponding power generation properties. In this paper, physical experiments are carried out in the wave tank to investigate the hydrodynamic characteristics of an array of oscillating buoy wave energy converters in front of the breakwater. The effects of the buoys' dimension and spacing on the motion and the power generation of each device are analyzed under different wave conditions. It is found that the wave energy converter with a smaller buoy has a higher power generation capability in the considered cases. A smaller spacing arrangement may not lead to a larger power. The incident wave height has a significant effect on the power generation.

wave energy  /  oscillating buoy  /  breakwater  /  ocean energy  /  wave tank experiment