Riding the Ocean’s Data

Researchers at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) and Sandia National Laboratories are enhancing open-source numerical modelling tools to improve the design and deployment of wave energy converters (WECs). These devices harness ocean wave power to generate reliable, local energy, particularly benefiting remote or offshore applications where traditional power sources are limited or expensive. By refining simulation software such as WEC-Sim and Capytaine, the teams aim to provide developers with more accurate and flexible tools to predict device performance and reduce risks before physical deployment in challenging marine environments. WEC-Sim and Capytaine work together to model the complex interactions between ocean waves and energy converters. Capytaine calculates hydrodynamic forces on floating structures, while WEC-Sim simulates the dynamic response of the devices under real ocean conditions. Recent updates to these tools have introduced features like quadratic transfer functions to better capture second-order forces, enhanced mooring and power take-off system modelling, and the ability to swap hydrodynamic coefficients mid-simulation. These improvements increase simulation accuracy and speed, enabling developers to test a wider variety of device designs more realistically and efficiently. The modular nature of WEC-Sim allows detailed component-level modelling, from simple spring-damper systems to sophisticated mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical subsystems. This granularity helps engineers understand how individual parts influence overall device performance and durability. By simulating environmental stresses and operational loads over time, the tools also support assessments of structural integrity and survivability in harsh ocean conditions. The software’s compatibility with other platforms further accelerates innovation by facilitating rapid testing and integration of new concepts. Thanh Toan Tran, a mechanical engineer at NLR, emphasised the significance of these advancements in enhancing the physical fidelity and robustness of wave energy simulations. He noted that improved prediction of marine device loads in chaotic ocean environments reduces the need for costly real-world experiments, thereby lowering development costs and shortening time to market. The open-source nature of WEC-Sim and Capytaine encourages ongoing collaboration and continuous enhancement, fostering a more accessible and dynamic wave energy research community. Looking ahead, these modelling advancements could play a crucial role in accelerating the commercial viability of wave energy technologies. By providing developers with sharper, more reliable simulation tools, the research supports the creation of robust, seaworthy devices capable of delivering sustainable power to coastal and offshore regions. Continued refinement and broader adoption of these tools may ultimately help unlock the vast potential of ocean wave energy as a clean and dependable resource.