Structural Analysis and Optimisation of a Wave Energy Converter

The final deliverable from the project will be an integrated package capable of performing wave-loaded FEA on a virtual wave energy converter. The package will be verified via previous results and new tank testing. This project is rather novel as no packages currently exist which are specifically targeted to WECs that incorporate the hydrodynamics, mooring dynamics and PTO loads of the device. In addition, the dynamic nature of WECs present a challenging environment for structures that other marine devices do not observe. The main aim is that by optimising the structure for strength and lifetime alongside the current optimisations of the in house Mocean design tools, this package will be able to assist in the design, construction and commercial readiness of sea going WEC prototypes.
The project has been split into three work packages (WP). WP1 is the hydrodynamic stage where the main forces on the device are analysed. The outputs of WP1 become the inputs to WP2 - structural analysis. WP2 analyses the forces on the WEC and outputs the stresses and strains on the device, as well as the fatigue lifecycle and extreme loading parameters. Then by using the outputs of WP1 and WP2, the third WP - structural optimisation, can be carried out. WP3 will provide improvements to the WEC structure with differing objectives such as strength/weight or increasing the fatigue lifetime, resulting in a final output of a structurally optimised WEC geometry. This workflow can be seen in Fig 1. Each WP has a number of considerations to be addressed over the coming months.
Some key literature identified so far includes - Numerical Modelling of Wave Energy Converters by Matt Folley. An LCA of the Pelamis wave energy converter by C Thomson et al. A review of wave energy converter technology by B Drew et al

The primary impact will be achieved by industrially-sponsored student research projects. These will be designed to deliver immediate benefits to project sponsors, and the wider sector, forming a critical mass in capacity, knowledge and innovation opportunities.

The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) sector has seen rapid growth over recent years, with asset installations and operations increasing significantly. The UK is a global leader in the research, development and engineering in ORE, delivering significant benefits for UK plc. Current UK offshore wind installed capacity is in excess of 5GW and is forecasted to grow to around 10GW by 2020, with expected capacity increases of 1GW/year until 2030. Across Europe, installations (excluding the UK) exceed 6GW capacity, with a further 9GW envisaged before 2020 and a growth rate of 2.5 GW/year up to 2030. Whilst offshore wind is at an industrial stage where it creates new jobs right now, tidal and wave energy hold the potential to further mature to provide the benefits from commercial deployments by 2040. ORE generation complements the low carbon energy portfolio, reducing CO2 emissions.

The sector will drive substantial economic benefit to the UK, provided development, research and training can keep up with the sector. Economic analysis conducted for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland shows that 3FTE construction job years are created per MW of offshore wind deployed, and a further 0.6FTE are created through ongoing operations and maintenance, creating thousands of jobs per GW/year. Analysis by the ORE Catapult found that current offshore wind projects have an average 32% UK content. By 2040 the UK is to increase this content in areas of strength such as blade and tower manufacture, cable supply and O&M, by providing the needed investment, development and skills training. Supply chain analysis projects that 65% UK content could be possible by 2030, with further export opportunities, estimated to be worth £9.2bn per year by 2030. The current GVA to the UK per GW installed (at 32% UK content) is £1.8bn and estimates suggest a possible increase to £2.9bn by 2030. Future UK employment in the ORE sector has been modelled by Cambridge Econometrics. By 2032 the sector could support 58,000 FTE jobs in the UK, with 21,000 FTE jobs direct employment (up from 10,000 FTEs jobs currently) and another 37,000 FTE additional indirect jobs.

IDCORE will contribute to and improve ORE supply chain development, by providing dedicated R&D support to SMEs and developers, building industry and investor confidence and working with investors and asset owners. The program will result in new technical solutions, enhanced O&M service offerings and enhanced engineering design and analysis tools for the benefit of the industry partners and the wider sector.

The role of government strategy and policy development will be a crucial element of the training provided to IDCORE students. Used within their projects, and in interactions with sponsors, this knowledge will improve the outcomes for their work making it relevant to latest policy developments. It will also drive the development of robust evidence for government, improving policy making. Such engagement is supported by links created between the partners and the Scottish and UK Governments and organisations like Wave Energy Scotland and the International Energy Agency.

The development and demonstration of an effective EngD programme is important for the broader academic community, providing a model for engagement with industry and other stakeholders which is as effective in its impact on SMEs as it is with larger organisations.

The consortium has strong international links across Europe and in Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico, and the USA. Promoting EngD programmes for renewable energy has the potential to lead to the formation of new sister programmes - expanding opportunities for staff and student exchange.