Abstract
B.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering)
A alternative wave energy convertor ( WEC ) concept was proposed and investigated. A simple theoretical model was developed for the WEC wave energy absorption efficiency and a partial esign procedure formulated. A comprehensive description of the energy conversion mechanism ( ECM) operation was developed which allowed several important design criteria to be derived. A procedure for estimating the WEC perlormance in
complex real wave systems from the results of simple single frequency wave tank tests was developed. A program of experimental tests showed very encouraging results for the WEC performance which included a wide bandwidth of high-efficiency wave energy absorption, high average wave energy absorption and high wave energy absorption at the design point wave frequency.