Carnegie’s waves reach COAST

Carnegie Wave Energy is undertaking a wave tank testing programme of its CETO 6 technology design at the University of Plymouth’s Coastal, Ocean and Sediment (COAST) facility.

The wave tank testing would build on Carnegie’s internal modelling as well as previous wave tank trials and the in-ocean operation of the CETO 5 system in the now completed Perth Wave Energy Project, according to Tim Sawyer, CWE UK Chief Executive Officer.

Sawyer said: “Over 340 separate tests will be carried out throughout the programme. These tests are aimed at evaluating and informing the design of our CETO 6 technology.”

The expected outcomes of the testing include measurement of CETO 6 performance across a range of operational and extreme sea states, optimisation of Carnegie’s preferred power take-off (PTO) system operation and control, validation of Carnegie’s in-house modelling suite, and detailed and validated load case for CETO system design.

The commencement of the testing coincided with discussions with academic and industry experts aimed at exploring opportunities to support CETO wave development in the UK.

Carnegie also used this opportunity to hold a seminar hosted by the University of Plymouth and attended by members of the Partnership for Research in Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE).

The seminar offered an opportunity to bring together industry and academia, share Carnegie’s development approach, and discuss opportunities for student development and collaboration, the Australian wave energy developer informed.

Deborah Greaves, Professor in Ocean Engineering and Director of the COAST Lab, said: “We are delighted to be hosting and working with Carnegie Wave Energy on such a comprehensive testing programme and to be discussing opportunities for further collaboration. Their visit has also enabled us to bring together industry representatives, academics and students for discussion and exploration of key issues in the sector.”