Arup has been commissioned by Wave Energy Scotland to examine how wave developers can make the structural design of their devices more robust.
The London consultancy will look into analysis tools and the processes suitable for structural design of wave energy converters, providing recommendations and best practice for future projects.
Portugal consultancy Cruz Atcheson Consulting Engineers will also work on the project to investigate the methods suitable for analysing the structural forces and stresses experienced by wave energy devices during their operational life.
Harsh environments such as the North Sea can impact the viability of wave energy projects.
The study will seek to define standard approaches that can be used to undertake the analysis of the likely static and dynamic forces and stresses which can be expected on a wave energy device’s lifecycle.
The report will also go on to explore expected loads for a number of wave energy devices.
“These studies will assist WES to understand where gaps exist in our understanding that will require future research or development in order to drive the development of wave device,” said WES director Tim Hurst.
“I have no doubt that there are reliable technologies used elsewhere in other industrial sectors which can be employed in developing wave energy technology.”
Image: SXC
