Load/Strength analysis of wave energy components

Load/Strength analysis of wave energy components Components in wave power applications are subjected to large forces and irregular loading. Existing dimensioning practise are usually developed for other applications, with e.g. uniform running loading. In fatigue, large uncertainties are present requiring safety large factors to be used. In this report, fatigue design principles are utilized to estimate service life and capacity of wave power components with the special circumstances they are subjected to. With the developed fatigue evaluation method, the uncertainty of the results is quantified with the Variation Mode and Effect Analysis (VMEA ). This allows proper safety factors to be established with regard to a required service life or strength. The factors that cause the most uncertainty can also be identified giving opportunity to reduce the uncertainty, which can lead to more efficient and optimized products. Two cases are analysed for two wave power companies: Corpower and Ocean Harvesting Technologies. For the first company, a rope that transfers large forces from a buoy is analysed. For the second company, a roller chain or a rack and pinion that transmits power to a large weight in a gravity accumulator is analysed.