Abstract: Semi-submersible platform has a broad application prospect in the field of marine resources development, but there exists a problem of insufficient energy supply for platform equipment. In this study, a common semi-submersible platform is simplified into three typical floating foundations, and a wave power generation device is integrated into the foundation, so that a motion equation can be derived to couple the foundation and its floats. A hydrodynamic simulation code, i.e. AQWA, is used to carry out numerical simulations and parametric analysis, and the effects of several factors on the float’s energy capturing characteristics are obtained－wave incidence, the cross-sectional shape of the floating foundation, its diameter, and its distance to the foundation. The results show that for the microarray float, a four-prism foundation can enhance its energy capture in a specific wave incidence, while a three-prism shape makes it better adapted to wave excitation from all directions. A cylindrical floating foundation has a significant masking effect, weakening the float’s energy capture to a large extent. Wave incidence has a great influence on the floats around a four-prism or three-prism foundation, but little influence on the floats based on the cylindrical foundation. The average power output of a microarray float can be improved significantly by increasing its diameter or its distance to the cylindrical foundation.

Key words: wave energy, microarray float, floating foundation, AQWA simulation, semi-submersible platform