i-manager Publications

Reinforced Concrete Hulls for Wave Energy Converters a Structural Feasibility and Economic Viability of ISWEC Designs

Flores Garcia*

Architecture and Habitat Sciences Faculty Campus, Universidad San Francisco Xavier, Destacamento, Bolivia.

Periodicity:October - December'2024
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.13.3.21856

Abstract

Wave energy presents a promising path for renewable electricity, yet commercial adoption remains limited due to high capital costs of Wave energy converters (WECs). This study investigates the structural and economic feasibility of using reinforced concrete instead of steel for the hull of the Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter (ISWEC). A concrete-based hull is proposed and evaluated using linear and nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA), with environmental loads assessed via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Key performance indicators such as cracking, reinforcement behavior, and serviceability were analysed. Cost analysis indicates potential savings in capital expenditure and lifecycle maintenance. Results support the viability of concrete as an alternative material in offshore WEC structures, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective wave energy systems.

Keywords

Wave Energy Converter (WEC), Offshore Renewable Energy, Reinforced Concrete, Marine Structures, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Hull Design.

How to Cite this Article?

Garcia, F. (2024). Reinforced Concrete Hulls for Wave Energy Converters a Structural Feasibility and Economic Viability of ISWEC Designs. i-manager’s Journal on Structural Engineering, 13(3), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.26634/jste.13.3.21856

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Reinforced Concrete Hulls for Wave Energy Converters a Structural Feasibility and Economic Viability of ISWEC Designs

Abstract

Keywords

How to Cite this Article?

References

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