Hydrodynamic Investigation of A Multi-Module Floating Platform with A Wave Energy Device Array

This paper presents a hydrodynamic analysis of a hybrid system consisting of a floating platform coupled with an array of oscillating bodies that move along the weather sidewall of the platform. Using the Lagrange multiplier method, the motion equation governing this type of motion characteristic is formulated, and the formula of the extracted wave power is derived. The numerical results demonstrate a significant increase in the hydrodynamic efficiency of oscillating bodies within specific frequency ranges in the presence of the floating platform. The incorporation of proper power take-off damping of the oscillating bodies results in a reduction in the heave motion of the platform, but it may lead to an increase in pitch motion. The analysis of the response behaviour of the system shows that both the heave motion and pitch motion of the platform contribute to the power extraction and relative motion between the buoys and the platform. Parametric investigations are conducted to explore the hydrodynamic interactions between the floating platform and the buoy array. Additionally, the concept of “hydrodynamic synergy” is proposed to describe the synergetic effect of different components of a multi-purpose platform, which is of considerable engineering interest.