Abstract
Wave power is a potential technology for generating sustainable renewable energy. Several types of wave energy converters (WECs) have been proposed for this purpose. WECs operate in a harsh maritime environment that sets strict limitations on how and when the device can be economically and safely reached for maintenance. Thus, to ensure profitable energy generation over the system life cycle, system reliability is a key aspect to be considered in WEC development. In this article, we describe a reliability analysis approach for WEC development, based on the use of reliability block diagram (RBD) modelling. We apply the approach in a case study involving a submerged oscillating wave surge converter device concept that utilizes hydraulics in its power take-off system. In addition to describing the modelling approach, we discuss the data sources that were used for gathering reliability data for the components used in a novel system concept with very limited historical or experimental data available. This includes considerations of the data quality from various sources. As a result, we present examples of applying the RBD modelling approach in the context of WEC development and discuss the applicability of the approach in supporting the development of new technologies.
Highlights
We describe a reliability analysis approach for wave energy converters (WECs) development, based on the use of reliability block diagram (RBD) modelling
RBD operates in a success space (as opposed to Fault tree analysis, which focuses on RBD operates in a success space, providing a suitable means for product development where individindividual failures), providing a suitable means for product development where individual ual failure modes are not the focus
This study,Inmodelling limited was to the power take-off (PTO), and all elements of the device outside the were considered as items that cannot and all elements of the device outside the PTO were considered as items that cannot fail
Summary
The main exploitable forms of ocean energy are wave and tidal energy, and the related technologies are the most mature among ocean energy technologies [2]. The OEE states that wave energy has the potential to be the largest source of clean energy [3], and according to the European. Commission Strategic Energy Technologies Information System (SETIS) [2], the estimated global potential of wave energy is 29,500 TWh/year. The estimated global tidal energy resource is mentioned as 1200 TWh/year. Based on these figures, the global potential resource of wave energy compared with tidal energy is approximately
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