Explain how wave diffraction affects the performance of a point absorber WEC array.

Wave diffraction, the bending of waves around obstacles, significantly impacts the performance of a point absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC) array. A point absorber WEC is designed to be much smaller than the wavelength of the incoming waves. When waves encounter these relatively small structures, they don't simply reflect; instead, they bend and spread around them. In a WEC array, this diffraction leads to constructive and destructive interference patterns between the waves scattered by each individual WEC. Constructive interference can amplify wave heights in certain locations, potentially increasing the energy capture of some WECs in the array. Conversely, destructive interference can reduce wave heights in other locations, diminishing the energy capture of those WECs. Furthermore, diffraction alters the wave direction, which can affect how effectively each WEC interacts with the waves. Careful array layout and spacing are therefore crucial to optimize the beneficial effects of constructive interference and minimize the detrimental effects of destructive interference, maximizing the overall power output of the array. Hydrodynamic modeling is typically used to predict these diffraction patterns and optimize array configurations.