Optimization of Hull Shape and Structural Design for OE Buoy

Performance Period: 2014 – 2016

The Ocean Energy (OE) Buoy, based on the oscillating water column principle, converts wave energy into useful mechanical energy using the principle that the air contained in the plenum chamber is pumped through an air turbine system by the wave action. This mechanical energy is then converted to electrical power. The device isolates the power conversion system from the seawater and also provides a high speed air flow to the turbine. The OE Buoy has been extensively tested at one quarter scale in real sea conditions for over 3 years resulting in a maturing of the technology to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. Now, Ocean Energy USA (www.oceanenergy.ie) is developing an optimized version of its oscillating water column technology through a techno-economic optimization process. Re Vision Consulting is assuming the technical lead-role in this project. The scope of work includes the following elements: (1) device performance modeling using in-house time-domain code, (2) extreme loads modeling using CFD, (3) structural design in steel, concrete and FRP, and (4) techno-economic optimization.

Publications:

M. Previsic, A. Karthikeyan, J. McCarthy and T. Lewis (2018). Techno-economic optimization of a deep water oscillating water column device.