Joint optimisation of geometry and mass distribution of wave energy converters

Wave energy converter design optimisation is key to generate novel concepts with improved characteristics. The shape and mass distribution of the device hull define its hydrodynamic behaviour. In previous studies, the geometry of the hull has been optimised, to maximise annual energy production and minimise costs, and similarly optimal mass distribution has been studied. However, these two hull properties have not been optimised jointly. This is done here by employing a method able to generate very diverse shapes for a device oscillating in surge, heave and pitch and using various objective functions based on annual energy production , submerged volume and submerged surface area. Results show a tendency for increased water-plane surface area to achieve a higher moment of inertia in pitch and for the centre of gravity to be as high as possible in order to reduce pitch stability and maximise device oscillations.