Objectives  This paper proposes an optimized design for wave-power navigational lighting buoys of seadromes.

  Methods  Based on the theory of three-dimensional potential flow, the buoyant motion response of a buoy is calculated. A type of array of wave-power navigational lighting buoys located in an offshore seadrome is proposed, and a procedure for the design optimization of its component buoys is presented. Matching the best Power Take-Off(PTO) damping, the diameter to draft ratio and array distance with the best energy capture width ratio are acquired, and the energy capture for the short-term forecast of the buoy array is accomplished. On this basis, combined with the actual sea conditions, energy capture for the long-term forecast of an individual buoy is accomplished. The influence of the buoy diameter, buoy draft and array distance on the energy capture width ratio is discussed.

  Results  The results show that the energy capture width ratio is at its greatest when the diameter to draft ratio is between 2.4-2.6; the smaller the distance between array buoys, the greater the energy capture width of each buoy.

  Conclusions  The results can provide a reference and suggestions for the optimization of the design of wave energy generation for arrays buoy.