SHY – O&M modelling, LCA assessments, LCOE and reliability analyses
The SHY Project aims to revolutionize wave energy technology by developing a composite linear pump and controller valve that uses seawater as the working fluid. Coupled with a dynamic passive controller that focuses on damping forces, this approach significantly boosts power capture without the need for additional reactive energy. By integrating these technologies into the Wavepiston wave energy converter, the project seeks to prove its effectiveness across a broad range of wave energy systems. This novel technology promises to enhance power generation efficiency while minimizing costs and environmental impacts
Julia Fernández Chozas is one of the partners of SHY Project. Throughout the three-year project she is responsible of carrying out the techno-economic and environmental assessments of the new energy collector system. For that, different elements will be investigated:
– Reliability and failure rates of critical components in the energy collector, including the subcomponents of the new hydraulic pump.
– Identification of the maintenance activities and associated costs of the new energy collector, as part of a commercial Wavepiston farm.
– A comprehensive LCOE assessment of the farm in a commercial case study.
– Sensitivity analysis to key parameters to quantify the sources of uncertainty and to estimate potential cost-reduction pathways, increasing the availability and reliability of the system.
– The carbon footprint associated to the transport, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance and retrieval for a farm of Wavepiston units. The impact of utilizing non-metallic materials in comparison to the previous designs will be quantified. Materials recycling opportunities will be also assessed.
– The job creation opportunities of such a project.
All these activities aim to quantify the parameters by using international recognized metrics and taking into the account the principle of circularity by design. The work is carried out in close collaboration with the other partners of the consortia and particularly with Wavepiston, Maynooth University and key suppliers FibronPipe and Leser.
In addition to enhancing wave energy capture, the SHY Project will develop a numerical model to optimize control strategies aimed at reducing the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Unlike common control approaches that prioritize maximizing power, this strategy will balance power capture and cost efficiency. The strategy will be validated through hardware-in-the-loop testing and offshore trials at PLOCAN. Furthermore, the project will investigate condition controllers designed to extend the useful life of components by identifying and addressing early signs of wear. This lifecycle-oriented approach will ensure more durable systems and lower operational costs in the long run.
