Marine Power Systems (MPS), a Swansea-based wave energy company, has engaged with ASTUTE 2020 (Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies) to undertake research in finite element simulations that will allow MPS to significantly de-risk the build and test-stage of the iits WaveSub power take off float.

Marine Power Systems (MPS), a Swansea-based wave energy company, has engaged with ASTUTE 2020 (Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies) to undertake research in finite element simulations that will allow MPS to significantly de-risk the build and test-stage of the iits WaveSub power take off float. 

Due for deployment in 2016, the WaveHub project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, with MPS receiving a £2 million grant in October 2015.

As part of the development process, ASTUTE 2020 is working with MPS on computational modelling research to de-risk eventual manufacture of the float. The float has been designed by MPS to withstand the loads that it will be subjected to in the harsh conditions at sea. Through getting the fundamental design right, the float will adhere to WaveSub’s ethos of being simple to install & maintain, with excellent survivability & reliability at an overall low-cost; all of which are essential to achieve a low cost of energy for marine renewables, says the company.

“We are reaching some exciting milestones in the development of our technology, specifically the deployment of a quarter-scale prototype WaveSub in 2016. We are thrilled to be liaising with ASTUTE 2020 for advanced computational modelling of the float,” said Dr. Gareth Stockman, Managing Director of Marine Power Systems. “With the prestigious skills and facilities available from ASTUTE 2020 at the new Swansea University Bay Campus, as well as its philosophy of innovation and advancement, we have full assurance that the research being produced by ASTUTE 2020 will confirm that our design for a power take off float is fully fit for purpose.”

“The device that Marine Power Systems is developing is incredibly innovative and we are very supportive of the company’s work,” added Dr Fawzi Belblidia, Senior Technical Manager at ASTUTE 2020. “Being brought in to engage with the MPS team and using our expertise to address this research challenge on finite element simulations of the composite float is an exciting project and we look forward to working with MPS throughout 2016 when the deployment stage is reached.”