This project is to develop new mathematical models and simulations of the flow through and around the Ocean Grazer integrated wind-and-wave energy converter.
The Ocean Grazer is a novel renewable energy device being developed by the University of Groningen (UG) and the spin-off company Ocean Grazer. The device combines wave energy converter technology with onsite energy storage and wind turbines to harvest renewable energy offshore. The company and UG are now exploring opportunities to target the UK market, because wave energy is an abundant clean energy resource in Britain.
This project is therefore very timely and aligns well with the Industrial Strategy white paper, addressing the Clean Growth grand challenge set out by the UK Government.
We propose to develop new mathematical models to understand the hydrodynamics of the large platform upon which the wind turbine, the floating wave energy absorbers and the submerged storage units are installed. Understanding wave propagation around and impact on the platform is of vital importance to quantify the design loads of the entire structure.