Assessment of novel WEC with rubber-air-water interface; performance validation, optimization and demonstration of associated cost benefits

AWS Ocean Energy于2008/2009年完成了对原始AWS Mark II Waveswing的严格尽职调查，其中包括Black和Veatch [由AWS委托]进行的独立评估和竞争对手分析。尽管技术上可行，但内部和独立评估都得出结论，AWS II系统在市场收入支持[5 ROC]或长期电价方面不具有经济可行性。现有的研究表明，实现经济可行性的关键是通过一系列技术转型步骤，而不是试图从第一代技术实现规模经济。从这一点出发，AWS清楚地认识到短期和长期的经济性和性能要求，开发了AWS III设备。该系统与20世纪80年代开发的考文垂蛤蜊有相似之处，并包括许多独特的新特征。这些新的功能包括一个新的橡胶隔膜空气-水界面的发展。AWS已经将这项新技术开发到了3/4级准备水平。与业绩有关的一些关键领域需要进一步发展，以证明经济可行性。Garrad哈桑已经开发了AWS III的数值性能模拟模型，而AWS已经在洛赫湖安装了该设备的第9比例模型。为了证明AWSIII的性能优势，Garrad哈桑模型通过第50比例模型试验进行稳健验证至关重要。将这些模型与从洛赫尼斯试验中获得的经验性能数据联系起来也很重要。这也可以通过在高度受控和可重复的波浪槽环境中测试和优化第9比例单电池模型来实现。交叉验证的性能模型和链接模型测试与洛赫尼斯试验将使知情和重点优化的洛赫尼斯系统。所有调查结果将被合并，然后进行解释，以鉴定和评估提高AWS III系统性能的能力。研究结果还将用于证明通过性能改进降低波浪能长期成本的潜力。除了优化当前设备设计性能的具体目标外，拟议计划的一个关键额外好处是有机会更好地了解小比例模型试验数据、中比例模型试验数据、中比例现场试验数据和数值模拟之间关系的不确定性，并因此理解如何改进用于器件表征、设计和优化的集成槽测试和现场试验程序的设计。研究的这一部分将解决一系列问题，包括方案规划，设计，仪器，缩放，数据分析和集成。

AWS Ocean Energy completed rigorous due diligence of the original AWS Mark II Waveswing in 2008/2009 in a process which included independent assessment and competitor analysis by Black and Veatch [commissioned by AWS]. Although technical viable the internal and independent assessments both concluded that the AWS II system could not be economically viable in terms of market revenue support [5 ROCs] or longer term electricity prices. Existing studies indicate that the key to achieving economic viability is through a series of transformational technology steps rather by attempting to achieve economies of scale from first generation technology. From this stand point, and with a clear view of short term and long-term economic and performance requirements, AWS developed the AWS III device. This system has similarities with the Coventry Clam developed in the 1980s and includes a number of distinct novel features. These novel features include the development of a novel rubber diaphragm air-water interface. AWS has developed this new technology to readiness level 3/4. A number of key areas relating to performance require further development in order to demonstrate economic viability. Garrad Hassan has developed a numerical performance simulation model of the AWS III, while AWS has installed a 9th scale model of the device in Loch Ness. In order to demonstrate the performance benefits of the AWSIII it is vital that the Garrad Hassan model is robustly validated via 50th scale model tests. It is also important to link these models with the empirical performance data acquired from the Loch Ness trials. This can be achieved by also testing and optimizing a 9th scale single cell model in a highly controlled and repeatable wave tank environment. Cross validation of performance models and linking model tests with Loch Ness trials will enable informed and focused optimization of the Loch Ness system. All findings will be consolidated and then explicated to qualify and assess the capacity to improve the performance of the AWS III system. Findings will also be used to demonstrate the potential to drive down the long term cost of wave power through performance improvement. In addition to the specific goals of optimizing the performance of the current device design, a key additional benefit of the proposed programme is the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the uncertainties involved in the relationships between small scale model test data, moderate scale model test data, moderate scale field trial data, and numerical simulations, and hence achieve an understanding of how to improve the design of an integrated tank-test and field trial programme for device characterization, design, and optimization. This part of the study will address a range of issues including programme planning, design, instrumentation, scaling, data analysis, and integration.