Experimental Study on Wave Energy Conversion Performance of a Wave-Driven Profiler

Few experimental studies have analyzed the wave energy conversion performance and underlying mechanisms of wave-driven profilers in controlled environments. Therefore, building on linear wave theory, Newton–Euler equations, and the working mechanisms of wave-driven profilers, this study has designed a crank mechanism-driven experimental tank facility. A comprehensive dynamic model of a wave-driven profiler has been established, and the impacts of wave height, wave period, and net buoyancy on the wave energy conversion performance of the wave-driven profiler and their underlying mechanisms have been analyzed. The results show that increased wave height enhances the buoy’s heave velocity, improving the dynamic performance of the wave-driven profiler by 441%. However, increased hydrodynamic resistance and mechanical collisions decreased the wave energy conversion efficiency by 57%. Longer wave periods reduce the wave excitation frequency, decreasing the buoy’s heave velocity; this results in a 35% reduction in the dynamic performance of the wave-driven profiler and a 53% decrease in wave energy conversion efficiency. During the descent phase, increased net buoyancy offsets more propulsive force, causing a 26% decrease in the wave-driven profiler’s dynamic performance yet increasing its energy conversion efficiency by 136%. This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing the performance of similar wave-driven profilers.