ABSTRACT:
The project aims at further developing a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) device that can be used to diverge the energy incident on a marina and convert part of it into electricity, whilst protecting the marina itself. The concept was validated in the ICEA laboratory in 2018. Although the base idea is promising, additional work is necessary to deliver a good patent. The proposer works in the field of WECs since 1999 and observed many good concepts fail due to lack of development, financial support, insufficient interdisciplinary approach. The project aims at 1) developing the device, with particular reference to the generator control strategy, to better analyse the range of conditions where it may be successfully deployed; 2) evaluating the investment necessary for the complete R&D of the technology 3) Finding and recruiting partners that can assure multi/inter-disciplinary development.
Hence, through three research grants, 2 main actions will be carried out:
1) Physical model investigation at the wave flume of ICEA Department. A device in scale 1:20, already tested at preliminary stage, will be subject to water waves during Year 1. The floating device is coupled to a control system able to provide a controlled restraining load according to a pre-defined strategy; such load mimics the presence of an electrical generator.
2) A complementary economic study, that plans the future steps of development, including the search for key players in the Offshore Energy Sector, with invitations to observe the device in the laboratory “showroom” (only after NDA agreement) during Year 2. It is expected that more than 10 Levi Cases players will be contacted. The action shall also evaluate market interest to the device, possible stakeholders, and suggest if the device should be patented.

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