Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | 2004-10-1867 | |
| Title | Robust wave energy device evaluation and design | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Renewable Energy Sources(Ocean Energy) 100%; | |
| Research Types | Applied Research and Development 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100% | |
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Professor PK Stansby No email address given Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering University of Manchester |
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| Award Type | 3 | |
| Funding Source | Carbon Trust | |
| Start Date | 01 June 2005 | |
| End Date | 30 March 2006 | |
| Duration | 10 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £52,125 | |
| Industrial Sectors | ||
| Region | North West | |
| Programme | ||
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Professor PK Stansby , Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Manchester (99.998%) |
| Other Investigator | Project Contact , Mowlem plc (0.001%) Project Contact , Royal Haskoning (0.001%) |
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| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | The general objective of this project is to provide improved assessments of the costs of electrical power generation from offshore waves using the Manchester Bobber. | |
| Abstract | The basic concept behind the device is to harness wave energy using a floating mass that rises and falls under the action of waves. This causes a pulley and its shaft to oscillate, which in turn drives an electrical generator. A previous grant from the Carbon Trust enabled the concept to be demonstrated, and a method of computer simulation to be developed and verified. Analytical and computational work was validated by tests on a laboratory model which was, of necessity, small (about 1:100 scale and 1 millionth the power of a commercial system) and used regular waves. This project will focus on the design and construction of a prototype, which is about 1:10 scale and 1 thousandth the power of its commercial equivalent. The system will be tested in an outdoor flume that will not only produce simple waves but also realistic complex and random wave conditions. This will: provide improved empirical values for the coefficients needed to account for some hydrodynamic aspects which cannotbe scaled reliably; enable adjustments and improvements to be made to the computer model; provide publicity for the project, which will be used in attempts to secure funding for the next stages of development. The improved computer model will be used to design a system of commercial size. This will enable specifications and costs for components to be determined. Royal Haskoning and Mowlem have agreed to assist in the design of offshore structures (i.e. platform and generating equipment) by providing conceptual designs for floating and sea-bed mounted platforms, and estimates of the costs to establish a preferred arrangement. The partners will work in concert: Royal Haskoning carrying out the design and Mowlem plc providing cost estimates. The University of Manchester Intellectual Property Limited (UMIP) has advised the project team on the intellectual property position and secured relevant IP protection (mainly in the form of patents and trademarks) on their behalf | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 01/01/07 | |
