You need to read at least two books: 1) Water Wave Mechanics for Engineers and Scientists by Dean and Dalrymple, and 2) Ocean Wave Energy - Current Status and Future Perspectives by Cruz. Apart from these, there are plenty of good journal articles including a number of review articles e.g. "Wave energy utilization: A review of the technologies" by Falcao etc.

Hi Zhara -

I'm involved with wave energy as a member of the IEC Marine Energy Standards sub-committee (http://tc114.oreg.ca/) and engineer working on some wave energy projects.

Moorings are a key issue with many devices, affecting performance (power output) as well as survival. A couple good primers on the wide range of wave energy devices and how they interact with moorings are:

Harris, R. E.; Johanning, L. & Wolfram, J. Mooring systems for wave energy converters: A review of design issues and choices 3rd Intl. Conference on Marine Renewable Energy (MAREC 2004), 2004

Abstract: An overview of generic types of wave energy converter (WEC) is presented and their mooring requirements discussed. Mooring system configurations and components from the offshore industry suitable for WEC units are identified. Possible mooring configurations for WECs are discussed and it is argued that not only station keeping but also the overall performance characteristics of the WEC mooring should be considered in the design.

Johanning, L.; Smith, G. H. & Wolfram, J. Mooring design approach for wave energy converters J. Engineering for the MarItime Environment, 2006, 220 Part M, 159-174

Abstract: 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 WEe systems there is no historical experience upon which to base the formulation of appropriate stationkeeping 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.

Hope that helps - good luck with your studies.

Renee Boileau

NRC