Performance of a two-body wave energy converter with an annular heave plate*

We theoretically examine the performance of a two-body wave energy converter (WEC) featuring a floating sphere and a submerged annular heave plate, connected by a power take-off (PTO) system. Utilizing linear wave theory, we derive the system's frequency-domain response to regular plane waves and analyze the impact of varying disk porosity on power generation. Our results suggest that annular disks can enhance power extraction efficiency in various cases compared to solid heave plates. Additionally, permeable plates can broaden operational conditions by reducing oscillation amplitudes and decreasing the mechanical strain on the PTO system without substantially compromising the power conversion efficiency. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights for optimizing WEC designs to improve energy capture, emphasizing the potential hydrodynamic advantages of using porous reaction bodies.