Abstract
The potential for coupling a cylindrical point absorber type wave energy converter (WEC) to a 5MW spar type floating offshore wind turbine is investigated. The wind and WEC system is modelled in the frequency domain and in two dimensions under the simplifying assumption that wind and waves propagate in the same direction. Coupling of the bodies is considered with respect to all theoretical combinations that might be achieved rather than a single specific design. Results are analysed with respect to the maximum power that the WEC coupling can achieve. It is shown that for mild waves the WEC can theoretically produce power in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 MW, its optimal dimensions are such that the draft and radius are approximately 18.8 m, and that obtaining this power tends to marginally amplify the pitch of the spar.
