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
Cruz Atcheson Consulting Engineers Lda
Sub-contractor(s)
CorPower Ocean AB
DNV GL UK Ltd
Wave Venture Ltd
CETO Wave Energy UK Ltd
NCC Operations Ltd
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd
Overview
Front-end engineering design (FEED) studies assess the technical and economic viability of using reinforced polymers as a key structural material for the prime mover of point absorber wave energy converters.
A de-risking approach is followed, defining then reducing the uncertainties of integrating reinforced polymers in the structural design process, minimising the potential for significant over-design of the structure while ensuring a full investigation of the material in a representative environment which is key in assessing material structural performance and device survivability.
Stage 1
May 2018
The RePOWER project aims to assess the use of reinforced polymers in the prime mover of point absorber wave energy converters (WECs).
A de-risking approach has been followed by the RePOWER consortium, defining and reducing uncertainties in the integration of reinforced polymers in the WEC design process. A detailed design methodology for load and structural analysis of WECs (following the WES Structural Forces and Stresses Landscaping Study) was implemented to analyse the use of reinforced polymers in WEC prime movers. Design iterations have been considered to refine the structural design and minimise the potential for significant over-design of the structure. This global design approach ensures a full investigation of the material in a representative WEC environment and was key in assessing material structural performance and device survivability. A cost model encompassing all the variables of the LCOE has been developed, leading to a definitive assessment of the material readiness and attractiveness while addressing step changes in CAPEX, OPEX and AEP.
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