In this paper, a numerical procedure is developed to describe the behavior of a Flexible Floating Breakwater (FFB) which represents not only a structure for shore protection but also a device for wave energy production with the utilization of a linear hydraulic power take-off (PTO) mechanism. The FFB consists of a grid of floating modules connected flexibly in two directions by:
connectors with known properties and
hydraulic power take-off mechanisms with known damping characteristics. The objective is to perform a linear hydroelastic analysis in frequency domain with a radiation/diffraction 3D hydrodynamic model considering the effect of the flexibility of the FFB as well as the damping associated with the energy extraction by the PTO. Sets of curves provide the effectiveness for both wave energy production and protection under the action of normal and oblique waves.
Flexible Floating Breakwaters (FFBs) are considered as an environmentally friendly, alternative solution to the conventional bottom fixed breakwaters that can be effectively used in poor foundation or deep water conditions. Up to now they have been exclusively used for shore protection and, therefore, their dominant subject of research is the protection of coastal and inland water areas in terms of the wave elevation behind the FFB. The increase of the protection effectiveness of the FFB is a subject of investigation by many researchers and as a result a large number of proposed types of FFB has been developed as described by McCartney and Bruce (1985). The investigation of the performance of this kind of FFBs requires the implementation of an appropriate analysis since large dimensions, great flexibility and large structural deformations are some of their main characteristics. Hydroelastic analysis can address the design of various floating structures and also, is a subject of research with continuous progress until now.
