Evaluation of the Negative Stiffness Mechanism on the Performance of a Hinged Wave Energy Converter
Abstract This paper presents the numerical and experimental study of a new spring mechanism adapted to a cone-shaped point absorber wave energy converter (WEC). The WEC is intended to be hinged to a floating wind platform with a long arm to create a combined wind and wave harvesting concept. The main objective of the spring mechanism is to improve the platform restoring moments against the wind thrust forces, generated by the wind turbine while contributing to wave energy harvesting. However, the study is presented for the case where the WEC dynamics is investigated outside the platform and attached to a fixed frame, to validate the mathematical model of the WEC concept. Moreover, the impact on the power harvesting performance is investigated with and without negative springs in this scenario.