Share reportStructural Materials
This programme investigated if it is possible to make a step change impact in LCOE by constructing typical WEC devices from alternative materials to those traditionally used, such as steel.
Lead contractor
CorPower Ocean AB
Sub-contractor(s)
Wave Venture Ltd
Balmoral Offshore Engineering
Overview
The viability of using hybrid fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) panels to improve the effectiveness of producing robust cost-effective prime movers for wave energy converters and provide a step change impact on the levelised cost of energy is explored in the specific case of a point absorber wave energy converter.
An optimised design of a full-scale structure is produced informed by detailed structural load and stress analyses, material and fatigue characterisation studies (which resolve an absence of technical data for the application of FRP in a marine environment and inform material selection), and manufacturing, handling and assembly trials of specimen panels (which confirm manufacturability and reveal an opportunity to incorporate greater detail than previously assumed).
Stage 1
May 2018
The HydroComp project assesses the viability of hybrid Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) applied to the specific case of the prime mover of a point absorber Wave Energy Converter (WEC). This was done using an approach assessing affordability, availability, survivability, performance and its impact on overall project LCOE. Specific efforts were made to calculate the structural loads together with structural and stress analysis. The material performance, manufacturing and logistics results, and the risk assessment, were used to feed the LCOE analysis, where key performance and cost metrics were used to assess the viability of the proposed solution, including CAPEX, OPEX, structural efficiency, performance to load ratio and finally LCOE.
Stage 2
March 2020
Stage 2 continued the assessment of fibre reinforced composite material use in structural applications in the marine environment. The adoption of a 'pre-preg' system resulted in improved consistency and a stronger structural weight solution. Material and fatigue characterisation studies resolved an absence of technical data for application in a marine environment. Trial panel fabrication and assembly confirmed manufacturability and revealed an opportunity to incorporate greater detail than previously assumed.Where to next?
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