Supervisors - Prof. Tom Bruce, University of Edinburgh and Prof. Atilla Incecik, University of Strathclyde
PhD Student - Anthony Gray, University of Edinburgh
Status - Closed
The Pelamis Wave Energy Convertor (WEC) is a long, floating, articulated structure that generates electricity from wave induced motion. One of the key features of the Pelamis technology is the innovative ability to attach and remove the machine from its moorings quickly and easily thus enabling an off-site maintenance strategy to be implemented. Repair and maintenance tasks can therefore be completed in the relative safety of a sheltered quayside with all the facilities and advantages it confers. This project will look at the detailed modelling of the Pelamis maintenance strategy. Initially, examination of possible modelling techniques and assessment of the accuracy current model will be completed. The model will be tested against real-world experience gained with the P2 Pelamis machines to challenge previous assumptions included and to increase model accuracy with immediate effect. A detailed review of the faults, fault analysis completed to date and reliability studies will then be conducted. Subsequent to research into the most appropriate failure analysis techniques to use, the failure probability models and reports will be updated as required. An updated fault classification structure will also be defined in order to more accurately define fault as will be experienced in a commercial scale wave farm. A suite of improvements to the model will then be implemented to allow investigation into different O&M strategies. Thorough testing of any implemented upgrades will be required. The enhanced model will then be utilised to test hypothesis relating to O&M strategy decisions and the improvements they will bring about. Finally, optimisation of the model to define the best O&M strategy will be conducted and a development plan proposed with defined steps towards achieving this optimal strategy.
The overriding goal of this project is to develop an O&M model that genuinely converges with real world experience and that can subsequently be utilised to generate accurate future projections and identify the development steps required in order to achieve the optimal O&M strategy.