Open Sea Operating Experience to Reduce Wave Energy Cost
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 654.444
months
millions of euros
innovations
years of data
%
cost reduction
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The project
Wave energy is forecast to have the potential to supply some 10% of European electricity needs; about half today’s total renewable generation. Due to its phasing, wave power complements solar and wind power and thus facilitates the practical integration of more renewables in the European grid.
Europe is currently the world leader in wave energy and thus there are significant opportunities for green jobs associated with its development and deployment. Wave energy costs remain high compared to con-ventional forms of energy. There has been very limited open-sea experience to fully understand the challenges in device performance, survivability and reliability. The limited operating data and experience that currently exists are rarely shared, since it is often partly private-sponsored. OPERA will remove this roadblock by delivering, for the first time, open access, high-quality open-sea operating data to the wave energy development community.
OPERA will collect, analyse and share open-sea operating data and experience to validate and de-risk several industrial innovations for wave energy, taking them from a laboratory environment (TRL 3) to a marine environment (TRL 5), opening the way to long term cost-reduction of over 50%
Floating OWC Wave Energy Converter development has received 2.5M€ funding from the Basque Energy Agency under the Pre-commercial Procurement Contract DIRTEC/14/008
Objectives
To collect, stream and publish 2 years of open-sea operating data of both a floating WEC and a shoreline wave power plant
To de-risk innovations that lower mooring cost over 50% and enhance survivability
To increase OWC power production 50% and improve reliability
To advance predictive and latching control to enable 30% increase in power production
To advance standards to reduce business risk and give access to lower cost capital
To reduce uncertainty, frequency, risk and cost of offshore operations
To improve risk management and cost estimation with real data
To maximise impact on the entire value chain and society for wave energy
Exploitable results
Floating OWC Device: The buoy hull moves in the opposite direction to the water column inside the spar for the most typical wave periods. The oscillation in the column drives a low speed air turbine that is placed above the sea level. The rotor is the only moving part of the turbine resulting in higher reliability and more cost-effective production.
Novel bi-radial turbine: A novel radial self-rectifying impulse air turbine for use in Wave Energy Converters that is both mechanically simple and reliable. Exhibiting reduced pressure losses in comparison with current designs, this turbine is extremely compact axially, has the highest known efficiency amongst air turbines, over 70%, and a silent operation. The possibility of increasing the rotational inertia can easily be achieved to enable kinetic energy storage. The design includes a cylindrical axially-sliding stop valve in series with the turbine.
Advanced control algorithms: Several studies have shown the great potential of using advance information on incoming wave in controlling WECs. Predictive control uses incoming wave information for control, applicable to all WECs. Latching (valve control) is specific to OWC.
Shared mooring systems: Shared mooring systems have long been used in aquaculture farms, where they can reduce mooring costs by nearly 50% in large farms at deeper deployments. Similar cost reduction is expected in deployment of over five devices for wave energy.
Elastomeric mooring tether: Compared to conventional mooring ropes, elastomeric tethers have load-extension characteristics that permit very significant reduction in peak loads and fatigue loads within the mooring system and at the hull connections thus reducing the costs of these structures whilst improving reliability.
Project development services: These services involve open-sea testing and validation services, guidelines and standards for ocean energy, services related to the engineering and construction of wave energy farms and seakeeping, installation and O&M services.
The consortium
External Advisory Board
KIM NIELSEN
Rambøll
JOHN FITZGERALD
Impact9 Energy and Marine
FIONA BUCKLEY
ENGIE
STUART BRADLEY
Energy Systems Catapult
MARIA OLSSON
Swedish Energy Agency
Project Structure
Test Facilities
LABORATORY TEST: The cost-reducing innovations for open-sea wave will undergo thorough lab-testing in order to de-risk them. The biradial turbine will be tested in test rig in which a centrifugal fan provides the pressure drop. The elastomeric tether will be tested in a purpose built test rig that aims to replicate the forces and motions that it will be subjected to in offshore applications. The turbine is connected, via a torque meter, to a motor-generator, which controls the speed using a stepless variable speed controller. Finally, the advanced controls will be tested in rotary test rigs which mimics the mechanical output of Ocean Energy Devices. It comprises a generator and a supervisory control system to optimise the control-law of the power take-off.
MUTRIKU OWC Plant: Mutriku Oscillating Water Column plant is the first multi-turbine wave energy facility in the world. It is integrated with the breakwater of Mutriku (Basque Country, Spain) and it has 16 air chambers and 16 sets of “Wells turbines + electrical generator” of 18.5 kW each. The plant was connected to the grid in July 2011. One of the air chambers is able to host new concepts of air turbines, electrical generators or control systems to be tested without grid-connection.
BiMEP: BiMEP is an open sea test centre of 5.2 km2 with depths going from 50 to 90m. It is located in an area with high energy potential (21kW/m) and its proximity to the nearest port (1 nmi) guarantees fast access. The area has a strong and nearby coastal utility grid (132kV-20MW capacity). Bimep is equipped with four berths of 13,2kV/5MW each connected to the grid, environmental monitoring services and 24/7 surveillance and emergency response.
Publications
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| Download “OPERA’s final event presentations” |
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| 8.12. Evaluation of the Dissemination and Communication Activities (final version) |
Design of oscillating-water-column wave energy converters with an application to self-powered sensor buoys
J.C.C. Henriques*, J.C.C. Portillo, L.M.C. Gato, R.P.F. Gomes, D.N. Ferreira, A.F.O. Falc~ao
LAETA, IDMEC, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Abstract
The quest for conquering the ocean and understanding its behaviour has been a challenge with increasing needs for innovation and technology investments in many areas of strategic value for the promotion, growth and competitiveness of the marine economy worldwide. Current oceanographic buoy systems are limited to low power levels and intermittency of data acquisition and transmission, among other aspects that need to be overcome to comply with new and more demanding applications. The development of marine activities requires more powerful and reliable data-acquisition systems to guarantee their future sustainability. This work presents a new systematic methodology for optimum design of wave energy converters. The methodology was applied to design two self-powered sensor buoys for long term monitoring based on the oscillating-water-column principle. The optimisation focussed on buoy hydrodynamic shape, sizing and selection of the turbine and the generator, as well as the control law of the generator electromagnetic torque. The performance was assessed through the use of the power matrix and a set of performance indicators. These performance indicators were defined to allow a simple comparison between different wave energy concepts. The results confirm the applicability of the designed buoys for a next generation of oceanographic monitoring systems.
Elsevier – Energy – Volume 112, 1 October 2016, Pages 852–867
1.2. Mutriku and BiMEP operating data collection experience
2.2. Mooring Open-Sea Operating Data Analysis
2.4. Recommendations for WEC mooring guidelines and standards
3.2. Turbine-generator set laboratory tests in variable unidirectional flow
3.3. Turbine and electrical equipment performance and reliability in shoreline OWC wave plant
3.4. Open-sea performance and reliability of the OWC turbine and electrical equipment
4.2. Shoreline OWC wave power plant control algorithms
4.3. Open-sea performance and reliability of the OWC turbine and electrical equipment
5.1. Wave Energy Measurement Methodologies for IEC Specifications
5.2. Recommendations to TC114 from real-case applications of wave energy technical specifications
5.3. Uncertainty in Wave Energy Converter Power Performance Assessment
5.4. Extending wave energy converter power quality data set
6.2. Operational model for offshore operation of WECs
6.3. Recommendations and guidelines for offshore operations for wave energy converters
7.2. Operating data input for models UEDIN
7.3. Tracking metrics for wave energy technology performance
7.5. H2020-OPERA Final Project Assessment and Recommendations
8.1. Dedicated project website
8.4. Plan for Dissemination and Communication (final version)
8.7. Data Management Plan (final version)
8.9. Communication Material (final version)
8.11 Evaluation of the Dissemination and Communication Activities (update)
8.12. Evaluation of the Dissemination and Communication Activities (final version)
Design of oscillating-water-column wave energy converters with an application to self-powered sensor buoys
J.C.C. Henriques*, J.C.C. Portillo, L.M.C. Gato, R.P.F. Gomes, D.N. Ferreira, A.F.O. Falc~ao
LAETA, IDMEC, Instituto Superior Tecnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Abstract
The quest for conquering the ocean and understanding its behaviour has been a challenge with increasing needs for innovation and technology investments in many areas of strategic value for the promotion, growth and competitiveness of the marine economy worldwide. Current oceanographic buoy systems are limited to low power levels and intermittency of data acquisition and transmission, among other aspects that need to be overcome to comply with new and more demanding applications. The development of marine activities requires more powerful and reliable data-acquisition systems to guarantee their future sustainability. This work presents a new systematic methodology for optimum design of wave energy converters. The methodology was applied to design two self-powered sensor buoys for long term monitoring based on the oscillating-water-column principle. The optimisation focussed on buoy hydrodynamic shape, sizing and selection of the turbine and the generator, as well as the control law of the generator electromagnetic torque. The performance was assessed through the use of the power matrix and a set of performance indicators. These performance indicators were defined to allow a simple comparison between different wave energy concepts. The results confirm the applicability of the designed buoys for a next generation of oceanographic monitoring systems.
Elsevier – Energy – Volume 112, 1 October 2016, Pages 852–867
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News
Novel biradial turbine-generator set tested at laboratory under variable unidirectional flow
The air turbine driving an electrical generator is an essential component of the wave energy plant where the wave-induced pneumatic energy is converted into useful electrical energy. The turbine is subject to much more demanding conditions than more conventional...
First practical experiences of open-sea operation. Workshop at the Bilbao Marine Energy Week 2017
The first industrial workshop of OPERA has taken place at the framework of The Bilbao Marine Energy Week (March 2017). Around 80 persons attended this workshop aimed at learning from the first practical experiences of open-sea operation, identifying common challenges, best practices and needs. The workshop brought together technology and project developers, marine contractors and test sites/pilot projects as catalysers of experience generation.
Testing of the OPERA project’s novel air turbine has already started at the Mutriku wave power plant: turbine operated at full power on the first day of testin
Mutriku, 22 May 2017 Following the successful completion of the laboratory tests at IST University in Lisbon, Kymaner’s biradial air turbine was shipped last week for further validation under real conditions. Actually, the novel air turbine will undergo thorough...
OPERA project meets in Bilbao from 4-6 April for their first General Assembly meeting
Having navigated the first year of the project, the OPERA Consortium meets in Bilbao to assess progress achieved so far and plan the forthcoming activities. Representatives of the 12 Consortium partners and 5 members of the External Advisory Board (EAB) participated...
Maros Šefčovič, EC Vice-President visits the Mutriku Wave Plant
During his tour of different energy efficiency projects in the Basque Country, Vice-President of the European Commission and Energy Commissioner Maros Šefčovič visited the Mutriku wave plant along with Basque Minister Arantxa Tapia, Deputy Minister Javier...
OPERA took part at the Danish Partnership for Wave Energy
Pablo Ruiz-Minguela, OPERA project Coordinator, was invited to present progress of this H2020 project at the last meeting of the Danish Partnership for Wave Energy (Rambøll, Copenhagen, 9th March 2017). Anders Eldrup, Chairman of Offshore Energy Denmark, opened the...
Tests of novel elastometric mooring tethers
The University of Exeter has carried out performance and durability tests of a set of elastometric mooring tethers as part of the H2020-funded OPERA (https://opera-h2020.eu/) wave energy project.
First OPERA video already available
Olatz Ajuria, project leader at the Basque Energy Board (EVE), introduces OPERA and its main objectives, along with the deployment activities of OCEANTEC’s MARMOK-A-5 device at BiMEP. Led by TECNALIA, the OPERA project will collect, analyse and share open-sea operating data and experience to validate and de-risk four industrial innovations for wave energy opening the way to reduce cost by 50% in the long term.
OPERA’s biradial turbine-generator set in the final assembly stage
Air turbine innovation is considered as one of the most promising cost-reduction pathways for OWC wave energy devices and the OPERA project specifically aims at validating and de-risking a novel biradial turbine prototype. This prototype is already manufactured and in the final assembly stage prior to PTO dry-testing at the turbo-machinery laboratory in IST.
The biradial turbine is supplied by Kymaner and is based on a patented concept (European patent 11710901.7).
Directional wave buoy sucessfully deployed at BiMEP
Further to the installation of a pressure sensor and data logger in front of the Mutriku wave power plant, a TRIAXYS Directional Wave Buoy from Canadian manufacturer AXYS Technologies was deployed at BiMEP open-sea test site, just in front of OCEANTEC’s MARMOK wave energy device, which is now injecting energy into the Spanish grid. Deployment was realised by Bilbao-based marine contractor Commercial Diving Activity (CDA).
Events
2019 · June, 19 · OPERA Final Event - Open Sea Operating Experience to Reduce Wave Energy Cost
2019 · May, 15-16 · All Energy, Glasgow
2019 · March, 14 · IV Marine Energy Week (MEW), Bilbao
2018 · June, 17-22 · 37th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore & Arctic Engineering (OMAE)
2018 · June, 12-14 · International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE)
2017 · August, 27 - September, 2 · EWTEC2017 - 12th European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference
Date: August, 27 – September 2, 2017
Place: Cork, Ireland
The latest in the foremost bi-annual scientific conference series on Wave and Tidal Energy will return to the historic city of Cork, Ireland:
- Scientists and experts in the fields of marine renewable energy will reveal their latest advances
- Exhibitors will present exciting new products and services
- Abstract submission open from October 2016
- A selection of the submitted papers will have the opportunity to be published in the International Journal of Marine Energy (IJoME)
2017 · March, 27-31 · III Marine Energy Week
Date: March 27-31, 2017
Place: Bilbao, Spain Involved Partners: TECNALIA, EVE
2017 · January 20 · 2017 Maynooth University Wave Energy Workshop
Date: Friday, January 20, 2017 – 08:30 to 18:00
Place: Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth Involved Partners: TECNALIA, EVE
2016 · November, 8-9 · Ocean Energy Europe 2016 Conference & Exhibition (OEE2016)
Date: 8 and 9 November 2016
Place: Brussels
will OEE2016 offer?
- A busy 1250m2 exhibition hall, showcasing the latest projects and products from the key players in ocean energy
- A topical, high-quality conference programme with a strong focus on finance, featuring high-level politicians and decision-makers, and the biggest names in the industry
- Unrivalled networking opportunities with 400+ professionals from across Europe and beyond, representing all parts of the value chain
- A broad range of side events, including the Ocean Energy Forum’s grand finale, taking place alongside the main event
The key players in the ocean energy sector will be there in force at OEE2016.
Visit OPERA at the stand 24 in the OEE2016
2016 · June, 1-2 · Seanergy
Date: June 1-2, 2016
Place: Biarritz, Halle d’Iraty Involved Partners: TECNALIA, EVE, OCEANTEC
2016 · May, 3 · From Seaenergies to Seanergy - Workshop #4
Place: Tecnalia, Parque Tecnológico de Zamudio
Involved Partners: TECNALIA, EVE
2016 · Febr, 23-25 · ICOE 2016 - Edinburgh
The 6th edition of the International Conference on Ocean Energy (ICOE) has taken place on the 23th to 25th of February 2016 in Edinburgh. ICOE 2016 is organised and hosted by RenewableUK.
For more information please contact
Mr. Pablo Ruiz-Minguela (Tecnalia)
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 654.444
