Improved reliability and survivability of mechanical wave energy subsystems

Research Project, 2019 – 2022

The gathered experience of several decades of wave energy research and development indicates that the largest challenge is how to guarantee the survivability of the wave energy converters in offshore conditions. The project will measure and compute wave loads on mechanical wave energy components and analyze the impact on the survivability of the systems. Uncertainties will be quantified and the risk for failures in different wave conditions and for different choices of components and design determined. With reliable data and models for survivability, the need for expensive experimental test schemes is reduced and the offshore maintenance and repair costs minimized. The project group consists of eminent researchers from five leading Swedish and international research institutions, and a reference group of key companies warrants that existing knowledge in the sector is integrated in the project and that the results are communicated and can be utilized directly by the stakeholders.