A second order random wave model for predicting the power performances of a wave energy converter

The power performances of a point absorber wave energy converter(WEC) operating in a nonlinear multidirectional random sea are rigorously investigated. The absorbed power of the WEC Power-Take-Off system has been predicted by incorporating a second order random wave model into a nonlinear dynamic filter. This is a new approach, and, as the second order random wave model can be utilized to accurately simulate the nonlinear waves in an irregular sea, avoids the inaccuracies resulting from using a first order linear wave model in the simulation process. The predicted results have been systematically analyzed and compared, and the advantages of using this new approach have been convincingly substantiated.