ABSTRACT In the present paper a multi objective optimization mathematical model of a Floating Flexible System (FFS) subjected to regular incident waves is developed and presented. FFS is considered as a system for both wave energy production and protection. The performance criteria considered for the optimum design of the FFS are the produced power, the protection effectiveness of the area behind the FFS, and the structural integrity of system parts. A mathematical approach is developed, based on genetic algorithms and global criterion method, in order to properly address FFS's design variables towards a most preferable (optimum) design.
INTRODUCTION FFS present nowadays one of the most characteristic types of offshore and coastal structures that can be utilized in the sea environment in order to develop modern and sophisticated projects that address new trends and needs and satisfy new requirements. Floating island cities, floating entertainment facilities, floating emergency bases, floating storage bases of oil or water, floating wave energy devices, floating offshore wind turbines and/or sea water desalination plants, floating bridges and breakwaters represent characteristic current and future potential FFSs. The design of an effective FFS in terms of desired performance, properly defined, is the key element for their successful implementation. Performance should include the structural integrity of system parts that compose the FFS and more specifically the avoidance of any structural failure of the connectors of the modules of the FFS. Meanwhile, significant opportunities and benefits have been identified in the area of ocean wave energy due to extremely abundant and promising resource of alternative, renewable and clean energy in the world's ocean (Falnes, 2007). FFS present a major category of wave energy converters that up to now numerate a very large number of proposed and developed energy devices (Drew et al., 2009, Falnes, 2007 and Falcao, 2010).