Evaluation of wave energy generation from buoy heave response based on linear generator concepts

Previous studies of linear generator power extraction from ocean waves have usually ignored the buoy heave dynamics and taken the linear generator movement to coincide with the wave motion. Here, the actual buoy motion is first determined and then used to solve the coupled hydrodynamic and electromagnetic problem of electrical power generation for both regular and irregular waves. Several buoy sizes are modeled to exploit the buoys' natural frequency in an attempt to create a greater heave response for a given sea state. Power output ranging from 75 to 375 W is predicted for the dimensions chosen.