Axial Force Damper in a Linear Wave Energy ...

This paper presents a study on the axial force damper in a wave energy converter. The converter itself consists of a linear generator placed on the ocean floor connected to a buoy at the ocean surface. As the development of the complete system goes forward, the economical perspective becomes more and more important. In order to ensure an economically viable alternative to the electric energy conversion, the costs associated with the use of materials have to be reduced while the survivability of the wave power unit has to be prolonged. The study presented in this paper increases the knowledge on axial forces and illustrates the damping system required to prevent the failure of the hull which houses the generator. The results are aimed to be utilized in the future design of wave energy converters and influence the choice of materials, the total costs and prolong the survivability of the wave energy converters in harsh wave climates.