Review on research approaches for multi-point absorber wave energy converters

The development and utilization of wave energy converters (WEC) have been intensively investigated in recent years. The point-absorber wave energy converter (PA-WEC) is one of the most broad-based concepts due to its simple system structures and ease of fabrication and installation. The multi-point absorber is a form of PA-WECs that can achieve large-scale electricity production, continuous and stable power, and efficient energy conversion. Up to date, extensive studies have been done on the hydrodynamic interaction and power output of PA-WECs arrays, nevertheless, there are few widely acknowledged methods for the classification of multi-point absorbers in the related studies. This paper aims to summarize the current research status for multi-point absorbers, such as the theoretical analysis methods, numerical simulation methods, experimental tests, levelized costs of energy (LCOE) analysis, and control methods. In particular, the scopes of application, strengths and weaknesses of different semi-analytical models, research gaps of two numerical methods, and distinctions of various physical wave tank tests are discussed, respectively. Moreover, a concise review of LCOE analysis and control methods employed for multi-point absorbers in the literature is also provided. Finally, the main problems and in-depth research directions for multi-point absorbers in the future are proposed.