Protean Wave Energy has engaged EcoFin Solutions in partnership with WavEC for the development of a numerical model to optimise the Protean WEC economics and survivability in varying ocean environments.
The scope for the numerical model includes the development of a time domain code to enable Protean to determine the potential energy output of the WEC over time and to test potential optimisations of the WEC design.
One of the tools EcoFin will deploy is a ‘wave-to-wire model’ computer simulation, which models the entire energy chain conversion, from the WEC’s interaction with the hydrodynamic wave force in the ocean through to the electricity produced, Protean informed.
The wave-to-wire model will evaluate various power take-off (PTO) modules including electrical generation and water desalination as well as overall performance of the device in any given ocean environment.
The numerical modelling tool will allow Protean to model the design, energy and water production, as well as survivability and potential energy production of an array installation, with the concrete data to support its economic potential.
The numerical model will feed into the development study , currently underway.
The study will include an evaluation of actual compressed air power production from the demonstration wave farm vs the expected output and is to be completed ahead of a pre-feasibility assessment targeting the first commercial wave farm.
EcoFin, a global renewable energy consultancy providing financial modelling and technical advisory services to the sustainable energy industry, will be working alongside WavEC Offshore Renewables (WavEC) in Portugal which is focused on the development of marine renewable energy.