TEAMER: Optimization of a Wave Power System (WPS) Structure and Interfaces for Generator Integration

Data, results, and final report from a study on methods to structurally integrate permanent magnet generator (PMG) variants within a floating, two-body Wave Power System (WPS). This study also demonstrated the incorporation of a novel Localized Airgap Reduction System (LARS), which is under development by C-Power. As presented in this report, significant improvements have been demonstrated for all optimization impact metrics specified for this effort. For both variants, major changes to the arrangements of the structural members, including plate thicknesses for the outer shell, the starboard and port side shells, and the interior bulkhead and decks of the nacelle, contribute to these weight savings for the optimized design. These major changes to the structure also address many manufacturability concerns by re-configuring the structure to improve aspects related to producibility, modularity, accessibility and adjustability, which are all important factors to consider along with developing a compliant structure that satisfies all design requirements for strength, stiffness, buckling and fatigue. Although further efforts to reduce weight throughout the nacelle structure are possible, sizing of plates and stiffeners are selected on the basis for commonality of parts to consider manufacturability.
The dataset contains finite element analysis (FEA) data and hand calculations. FEA files include those used for and generated by finite element simulations. Calculations include hand calculations performed using Microsoft Excel, which assess shell and plate buckling per DNV requirements.

This project is part of the TEAMER RFTS 12 (request for technical support) program.