Abstract
This chapter analyses the influence of the wave energy converter geometry, in particular the wedge angle of WaveCat devices, on the performance of wave farms as coastal protection elements against erosion. Laboratory experiments were conducted for two angles between hulls under low-, mid- and high-energy conditions to obtain the reflection and diffraction coefficients. These values were used as input for the joint application of a wave propagation model, a longshore sediment transport formulation and the one-line model to a study site in southern Spain. The shoreline evolution and dry beach area availability for wave farms with by both devices were assessed. The results indicate that WaveCat devices with a wedge angle of 60º provide more protection than those with 30° for long wave periods and less protection for short periods. Thus, to optimize the efficiency of wave farms for coastal defence, the geometry of the wave energy converters should be adapted dynamically to the incoming wave condition.