A wave energy project that is part of the EU Horizons 2020 programme has hit an important milestone by completing an advanced custom structure interaction Wave Energy Converter (WEC) model.
The MegaRoller project, which has a number of partners including K2 Management, will develop and demonstrate a 1MW power take-off (PTO) for wave energy converters.
The technology is developed in conjunction with oscillating wave surge converters (OWSCs), a type that uses bottom-hinged panels oscillating in pitch following the surge movement of the water particles in the nearshore zone (10m-25m water depth).
“We use a mathematical representation of the interaction between the structure and the waves to estimate the loads experienced in a number of situations. The results will be used to design a sound and durable power system,” explains Pauline Laporte Weywada, Senior Consultant at K2 Management. “The mathematical model uses innovative features such as a structural dynamics module to investigate structural deformations and account for the directional spread. The development of such novel functionalities will continue throughout the MegaRoller project and are expected to provide guidance for modelling practices in the wave energy sector.”
The MegaRoller project is being funded by the EU over the period 2018-2021. Megaroller partners include:
• K2 Management (originally Cruz Atcheson Consulting Engineers, acquired by K2 Management in 2018)
• AW-Energy (WaveRoller)
• ABB Finland
• WavEC Offshore Renewables
• HYDROLL The piston accumulator company
• HYDMAN Hydraulic Manifold Systems
• SINTEF Energy Research
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd
• University of Bergen
• Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg

