Physical and Numerical Modelling of Wave and Tidal Energy Arrays

Physical and Numerical Modelling are essential elements in the development process for wave and tidal technologies. They are used to advance devices through the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) from an initial design concept (TRL1) to a commercial technology (TRL9). Much of the work to date regarding modelling has been in relation to single device technologies with very little attention given to array design layout optimisation to maximise power output and understand interactions. The Lir NOTF has one of the only wave tanks in Europe that is capable of testing wave energy arrays where tank effects (wave reflection, wave radiation from devices etc) are minimised. The Ocean Wave Basin as well as the Deep Ocean tank will be used extensively throughout the project and the output from the test programme, which will validate numerical models, will advance the state of the art in relation to wave energy array design.

 

Such an approach will involve different levels of modelling such that to quantitatively determine, device interactions, wake effects, environmental impacts etc. This will lead to the development of modelling scenarios using Irish and Welsh case study sites where the modelling approach will be applied and from it will come recommendations on the suitability of the approach as well recommendations on wave and tidal energy array layouts.

 

Objectives

1. Numerically model wave and tidal energy array configurations to determine issues and constraints in relation to layout optimisation.

2. Undertake physical model testing of wave energy array layouts in the Ocean Wave Basin in UCC.

3. Undertake physical and numerical testing to validate the pilot designs prior to deployment.

 

LEAD: UCC & SU ON WAVE & TIDAL REPECTIVELY

Deliverables 

D6.1

Report on existing Physical and Numerical models for wave and tidal technologies.

D6.4

Tidal pilot: Numerical model recommendations, Physical modelling test results, and validation report.

D6.2

Modified Physical and Numerical models for Irish and Welsh wave and tidal technologies and locations, Open Access.

D6.3

Wave pilot: Numerical model recommendations, Physical modelling test results, and validation report.