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| Reference Number | EP/V040227/1 | |
| Title | Flexible Responsive Systems in Wave Energy: FlexWave | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Renewable Energy Sources (Ocean Energy) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 30%; PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Applied Mathematics) 20%; PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Computer Science and Informatics) 30%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 20%; |
|
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Professor Z You University of Oxford |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 06 October 2021 | |
| End Date | 05 April 2025 | |
| Duration | 42 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £291,785 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | South East | |
| Programme | Energy : Energy | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Professor Z You , University of Oxford |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | Wave energy convertors (WECs) offer opportunities for niche (powering aquaculture and offshore stations) and grid-scale applications. However, disruptive innovation is essential to unlock the potential of wave energy, achieve step change reduction in cost of energy, and prove competitiveness against other renewable energy options. Here we investigate the opportunity to transform the development of WEC systems by utilising intelligent design concepts that exploit novel use of deformable materials. WECs based on deformable materials may offer improved performance, survivability, reliability, and reduced cost compared with steel or concrete alternatives for the following reasons: 1. To achieve a given resonant frequency, a flexible fabric device can be smaller and lighter. 2. Hydrodynamic characteristics of such a device can be modified by controlling its internal fluid pressure, enabling it to be tuned to suit incident wave conditions. These adjustments can be made by an on-board intelligent responsive system. 3. Controlled non-linear changes of geometry would enable a deformable fabric structure to accommodate or shed high loads without reaching critical stress concentrations, improving survivability and reducing installation and lifetime costs. 4. Flexibility opens up the possibility to use a range of PTOs, such as novel distributed embedded energy converters (DEECs) utilising distributed bellows action, electro active polymers, electric double layer capacitors or micro-hydraulic displacement machines. 5. A lightweight flexible structure with largely elastic polymer construction is unlikely to cause collision damage, and so is therefore a low risk option for niche applications, such as co-location with offshore wind devices. | |
| Data | No related datasets |
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| Projects | No related projects |
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| Publications | No related publications |
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| Added to Database | 17/09/25 | |
