Mooring design approach for wave energy converters

To be effective, wave energy converter devices (WECs) must be installed in unsheltered locations with high wave energy density. Such regimes are more likely to be at offshore locations and much current interest is focused on offshore floating devices. Since the wave energy industry has little practical long-term experience with deployed WEC systems there is no historical experience upon which to base the formulation of appropriate station-keeping arrangements. The development of generic station-keeping arrangements that will allow reliable, yet cost-effective, mooring systems presents a challenging task. This paper raises issues pertinent to the station-keeping of floating WECs and discusses a preliminary design procedure to identify suitable mooring arrangements. © IMechE 2006.