Focusing on the optimization of the spacing parameters of a dual-float wave energy conversion （WEC） device, systematically investigating the influence of the wavelength-to-float spacing ratio on the energy harvesting performance and hinge loads under both regular and irregular wave conditions. Through the application of numerical simulation and model trial methods, the working mechanism of the wavelength-to-float spacing ratio on system performance is revealed. The findings indicate that under regular wave conditions, the energy harvesting width ratio of the system exhibits a significant wavelength dependency, reaching a peak value of 0.44 when the wavelength-to-float spacing ratio is 0.25, which is a 46.1% increase compared to the case with a ratio of 0.063. Under irregular wave conditions, appropriately adjusting the float spacing can reduce the horizontal hinge load at the connection joint by approximately 75% and the vertical hinge load by about 25%, thereby effectively enhancing the service life of the device. Oblique incident waves induce a nonlinear response in energy harvesting width ratio, and the system achieves the optimal energy harvesting width ratio when the incident angle is 15°, which is a 22% improvement compared to the case of vertical incidence.

wave energy conversion  /  dynamic response  /  potential flow  /  power takeoffs  /  energy harvesting  /  raft-type wave energy converter