Golden, Colorado – Developing wave energy technology that can harness the power of the ocean is one thing; ensuring it can withstand the harsh marine environment is another. Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are tackling this challenge head-on, conducting crucial studies to determine the survivability of wave energy converters (WECs) in the face of unrelenting ocean forces.
The research, highlighted in a recent NREL report, focuses on understanding the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the degradation and failure of WECs. From relentless wave action and corrosive saltwater to biofouling and extreme weather events, these devices face a gauntlet of environmental hazards that can significantly impact their lifespan and economic viability.
"The ocean is a brutal environment," said Dr. Jane Miller, lead researcher on the NREL study. "We can design sophisticated energy capture systems, but if they can't survive long-term exposure to the ocean, then the entire project is unsustainable."
The NREL's research employs a multi-faceted approach, combining computational modeling, laboratory testing, and real-world deployments to assess the performance and durability of various WEC designs. The computational models simulate the hydrodynamic forces acting on the devices, predicting their response to different wave conditions and sea states. Laboratory tests subject components and prototypes to accelerated wear and tear, simulating years of ocean exposure in a controlled setting.
Perhaps most importantly, NREL collaborates with industry partners to deploy WECs in real-world ocean environments. These deployments provide invaluable data on the actual performance of the devices, allowing researchers to validate their models and identify potential weaknesses in the design.
One key area of focus is materials science. The corrosive nature of saltwater poses a significant threat to many materials commonly used in engineering. Researchers are evaluating the performance of different metals, polymers, and composites in marine environments, seeking to identify materials that offer superior resistance to corrosion and biofouling.
Biofouling, the accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces, is another major concern. Biofouling can increase drag, reduce the efficiency of energy capture, and even damage critical components. NREL researchers are investigating various anti-fouling coatings and strategies to mitigate the effects of biofouling.
The research also considers the impact of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and severe storms. These events can generate massive waves and powerful currents that can overwhelm even the most robust WEC designs. NREL is developing strategies to protect WECs from extreme weather, including automated shutdown procedures and mooring systems designed to withstand extreme forces.
The findings of NREL's research are disseminated to the wave energy industry through publications, workshops, and collaborative projects. The goal is to provide developers with the knowledge and tools they need to design and build WECs that can survive and thrive in the ocean environment.
"We're not just interested in developing new technologies; we're committed to ensuring that those technologies are sustainable and economically viable," Dr. Miller explained. "By understanding the challenges of the ocean environment, we can help developers create wave energy converters that can deliver clean, reliable energy for decades to come."
The NREL's ongoing research is playing a crucial role in advancing the wave energy industry. By addressing the challenges of ocean survivability, NREL is helping to pave the way for the widespread deployment of wave energy technology and the realization of its enormous potential. The U.S. Department of Energy supports NREL, and its work aims to increase clean energy production, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and create new jobs in the renewable energy sector.
