  A potential flow model is derived for a large flap-type oscillating wave
energy converter in the open ocean. Application of the Green's integral theorem
in the fluid domain yields a hypersingular integral equation for the jump in
potential across the flap. Solution is found via a series expansion in terms of
the Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind and even order. Several
relationships are then derived between the hydrodynamic parameters of the
system. Comparison is made between the behaviour of the converter in the open
ocean and in a channel. The degree of accuracy of wave tank experiments aiming
at reproducing the performance of the device in the open ocean is quantified.
Parametric analysis of the system is then undertaken. It is shown that
increasing the flap width has the beneficial effect of broadening the bandwidth
of the capture factor curve. This phenomenon can be exploited in random seas to
achieve high levels of efficiency.
