Projects

Completed

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Civil Engineering)
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr R Yem
Ocean Power Delivery Ltd.

Standard

DTI

10 April 2003

17 December 2004

20 months

£59,899

Power

Scotland

WAVE

Dr R Yem, Ocean Power Delivery Ltd.

A 7th Scale Testing Overall Objectives 1. Maximise the return on the 7th scale investment to the project in terms of minimising the onward risks. 2. Verify control system hardware, algorithms and software for use in the full-scale prototype. B 20th Scale Testing Overall 1. Further verify and improve (where possible) control system algorithms and software for use in the full-scale prototype. 2. Thereby further reduce the technical risk of early full-scale prototype tests. Total Project cost = 79900, DTI grant = 59900

The Pelamis Wave energy converter (WEC) is an innovative concept for extracting energy from ocean waves and converting it into a useful product such as electricity, direct hydraulic pressure or potable water. The system is a semi-submerged, articulated structure composed of cylindrical sections linked by hinged joints. The wave-included motion of these joints is resisted by hydraulic rams that pump high-pressure oil through hydraulic motors via smoothing accumulators. The hydraulic motors drive electrical generators to produce electricity. The complete machine is flexibly moored so as to swing head-on to the incoming wave crest. The recent availability of the Ecole Centrale de Nantes wave basin presents OPD with a unique opportunity to expand and consolidate the deliverables from the 7th scale programme. Algorithm testing at 7th scale will significantly reduce the risks of full-scale prototype deployment, particularly in respect of the survivability control mode and increase confidence in power capture algorithms. A range of control variables can be tested under reproducible wave conditions. Mooring response can be monitored. Cost effectiveness: a large range of controlled sea conditions can be repeatedly tested more effectively and in much shorter time than in sea trials. In addition, further tests using an updated computer controlled 20th scale model were proposed.

01/01/07