Arup has been appointed by Wave Energy Scotland (WES) to undertake two significant studies to identify alternative material choices for wave energy conversion devices.

Designing a cost-effective wave energy conversion device, robust enough to withstand harsh environments, still remains a significant technical challenge.

For the first study Arup is undertaking a detailed engineering design assessment to better understand the potential for concrete to become the main structural material for wave energy conversion devices. The team expects to confirm the potential for concrete to bring about a step change in the levelised cost of electricity (LCoE) of wave power.

Arup is leading the study, with participation from Cruz Atcheson, Sea Power, Wello and British Precast, to identify where structural concrete could have the greatest impact before progressing to develop a Front End Engineering Design (FEED) solution.

For the second study, Arup is supporting Cruz Atcheson in their assessment of hybrid structures with reinforced polymers as the main structural material. The project aims to better understand the use of reinforced polymers as the structural material for the prime mover of point absorbers. Arup will be undertaking structural analysis and providing composite design support.

On both projects Arup will apply its experience of designing complex, offshore structures in challenging environments. The team will draw on recent guidance in Wave Energy Scotland’s Forces & Stresses Landscaping Study, recently delivered by Arup and Cruz Atcheson.

Tim Hurst, Managing Director, Wave Energy Scotland commented:

“Wave Energy Scotland is pleased that the programme will benefit from Arup’s considerable wealth of knowledge about structural materials and manufacturing processes. I am looking forward to hearing the conclusions from these studies and the materials’ applicability to wave energy converters.”