A novel wave energy extraction method, based on the PTO (Power Take-Off) mechanism, is developed by utilizing an array of buoys connected with a flexible runway. Hydrodynamic interactions among the buoys are analyzed using an exact algebraic method based on linear wave theory in the frequency domain. A parametric governing equation of compounded wave energy converter referred to as a wave farm is formulated by using Hamilton's principle which can be discretized by using Galerkin method. The effects of wave condition and the parameters of PTO on the wave energy absorption and displacement of runway are analyzed. The results show that the energy extraction and displacement of the runway can reach an optimal balance by optimizing the stiffness of connectors and damping coefficient of PTO which leads to the benefits of more efficient energy absorption and less movement of the runway simultaneously. The quality of the wave farm is examined by introducing the q-factor to understand the effect of the array configuration. This research work is aimed to provide a theoretical guideline for wave energy converter design. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.