EB FRond Wave Energy Converter - Phase 2: Final Report

Abstract:

<p>Having demonstrated the fundamental proof of concept for the EB Frond Wave Energy Collector through the Phase one project, the next step (the Phase two project) was proposed to further assess the technical and commercial viability of the EB Frond concept through the development of the existing mathematical and physical modelling methods.</p> <p>The EB Frond project is the wave energy programme developed by The Engineering Business Ltd (EB), following on from an original idea conceived at Lancaster University.</p> <p>To meet the identified objectives, and take the EB Frond programme forward along the preferred development route, a number of specific tasks were identified for Phase two. These encompassed: <bl> <li>Further small-scale (1/25^th) testing to investigate of wave tank characteristics and their effect on EB Frond model testing, and investigation of the response of EB Frond to random waves, tidal range and extreme wave conditions</li> <li>Development of a mathematical model for the EB Frond system, including its verification by a recognised external specialist and its validation against the acquired experimental data</li> <li>Testing at an intermediate (1/6^th) scale, including validation of scaling assumptions by comparisons with small (1/25^th) scale test results, reduction of uncertainties in scaling wave heights by extending the wave height envelope at 1/6^th scale, and testing of selected survival strategy designs</li> <li>Assessment of different survival strategies in extreme wave conditions</li> <li>Site characterisation for full-scale systems</li> <li>Use of the designs, test results and site characterisation to produce a robust economic model</li> </bl></p> This report is divided into the following sections: <ol> <li>Introduction</li> <li>Small-Scale Testing</li> <li>Test Results</li> <li>Mathematical Modelling</li> <li>Analysis and Interpretation</li> <li>Survivability</li> <li>Economic Model</li> <li>Development Route to Full-Scale Production</li> <li>Conclusions</li> </ol>

Author(s):

The Engineering Business Ltd