Wave Energy Absorption in Irregular Waves by a Floating Body Equipped with Interior Rotating Electric-Power Generator

To realize a wave-power absorption apparatus in actual seas, we should consider the absorption efficiency of wave power in irregular waves and how it can be enhanced. For that purpose, first a theoretical study is made on how the maximum wave-energy absorption can be achieved in irregular waves by using the Fourier transform from the results in the frequency domain and taking account of the causality relations. It is shown that, if the maximum conditions are satisfied in the time domain, we can improve the wave-power absorption efficiency in irregular waves. Then based on the result of theoretical study, numerical computations are performed for a floating body inside which an electric-power generator is supposed to rotate without sliding along the interior circular surface of a symmetric floating body. However, since the maximum condition in the time domain does not satisfy causality in the present study, we need to resolve this problem for further improvement.