Different types of wave energy convertors are being studied using the heave motion of floating bodies to generate electricity. In this thesis, we investigate the interaction of floating buoys from hydrodynamic point of view. The dynamic heave response of buoy under two different load cases and represented by single degree of freedom model is studied. The fluid-structure interactions based on 2-dimensional linear potential flow theory were modeled and simulated using finite element method. The numerical results obtained in transient harmonic oscillations are compared with those of different geometries. An experimental system is studied and compared with simulated results to validate the numerical models.

This work has been carried out to figure out the Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis of semi-submerged planar buoy under two different load capacities at Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) using COMSOL Multiphysics. Renewable energy sources constitute a minor part in the total global power generation which is largely dependent of fossil fuels. The global fossil fuel reserves are decreasing so it is very important to develop renewable energy system. Wind mills and ocean energy converters are continuously being investigated by researchers. The methods to extract energy from the marine environment are using Thermal, Wave, Tidal, current based devices, etc. The thermal ocean energy converter uses the difference between the water temperatures at different water depths to produce useful energy. Similarly, the wave and current energy devices harvest the kinetic and potential energy respectively to produce electrical energy. Wave energy is created by wind, as a result of the atmosphere’s redistribution of solar energy. The key characteristic of sea waves is their high energy density, which is the highest among renewable energy sources Because of great potential in ocean waves, many devices have been developed for wave energy conversion purpose. One of the oldest yet efficient ways of ocean energy conversion is to utilize floating body motions in waves. Girard (late 18th century) was among the pioneers who discovered the energy contained in waves. He registered the first patent as a device which converts the wave power into mechanical energy.