INTERACT - Analysis of array systems of wave energy converters with regard to interaction effects in the LCOE and fatigue analyses
Research Project, 2020 – 2024

A few full-scale single-unit wave energy converter (WEC) prototypes have been deployed in the ocean. Further commercialisation requires installation of many WECs in array systems. The upscaling to array systems is a challenge due to interaction effects between WECs and their subcomponents. New design and assessment methods are needed which together with advanced simulation models
can be used to design array farms accounting for interaction effects for optimum system performance e.g. power, fatigue life, LCoE.
The project contributes to the development of such design methods and models. It is achieved by systems engineering, risk analyses and fully coupled hydrodynamic and structure response simulations. LCoE calculations are used to show how the LCoE is affected by WEC interaction effects in wave farms including the structural integrity of moorings and cables. Several show cases of different WEC technologies, sites of operation and array systems are simulated, analysed and optimised.

Participants

Jonas Ringsberg (contact)

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Erland Johnson

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Shun-Han Yang

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Marine Technology

Collaborations

Corpower Ocean AB

Stockholm, Sweden

NKT Cables AB

Falun, Sweden

Novige AB

Västerås, Sweden

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Göteborg, Sweden

Seaflex AB

Umeå, Sweden

Waves4Power AB

Västra Frölunda, Sweden

Funding

Swedish Energy Agency

Project ID: 2019-026869
Funding Chalmers participation during 2020–2022

Related Areas of Advance and Infrastructure

Sustainable development

Driving Forces

Energy

Areas of Advance

Basic sciences

Roots

Innovation and entrepreneurship

Driving Forces

Publications

More information

Latest update

10/8/2022