This new project will create advanced open source software designed to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of wave and tidal energy systems.
WES will lead the Stage Gate Design section of the project, providing insight from its technology development program.
The output of DTOcean+ will be a freely available software package able to support technology companies in testing their concepts at an early stage. It is expected to help improve the reliability, performance and endurance of ocean energy systems, which could potentially make the sector more attractive for private investment.
If technical and financial risks can be reduced, wave and tidal energy devices could become cost-competitive with other energy sectors.
Tim Hurst, WES managing director, said, “Becoming a partner in this major initiative takes our work to a whole new level. Those involved with ocean energy technology across Europe are working together to share best practice. Our role is to secure additional benefits for Scotland’s wave energy sector.”
WES is already working with US partners Sandia National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on developing common metrics for evaluating wave energy devices.
The DTOcean+ partnership started in May this year and will run until April 2021. It is managed by Tecnalia in Spain and brings together 15 partners from eight different countries (UK, Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, Portugal, US and Denmark).
