Fundamental engineering tools for Crestwing wave energy converter analysis (W-Tools)

Challenge

The European Commission has dedicated resources to support the ambitious plan of the European energy transition, a climate-neutral energy sector by 2050, and more concrete to support the plan of installing 100 MW of marine energy technologies by 2025. Many of the challenges in reaching high security of supply, such as grid balance and the need for energy storage, can be mitigated through a more diverse mix of renewable energy sources. Using marine energy, wave energy converters (WECs), are among the most promising candidates to complement wind and solar energy.

Solution

This project aims to develop a scalable, stable, low-cost and reliable source of climate-neutral wave energy to support the green transition of European society. Specifically, it will create the fundamental scientific and engineering tools needed to scale the existing Crestwing wave energy converter from a 35 m design optimized for use in Kattegat to a 120 m, 2,5 MW design optimized for the North Sea and a 200 m, 10 MW design optimized for the Atlantic Ocean.

Effect

Estimating an accelerating production with more devices built each year, Crestwing expects to have around 40 devices in order by 2030, with a combined power of 100 MW depending on position. After this, continuous growth is expected, which should lead to parks in the GW size before the beginning of 2040. To reach these goals, Crestwing has begun the design of its supply chain.

Partners

Crestwing ApS
SKF Danmark A/S
Caverion Danmark A/S
Danfoss Drives A/S
AAU Energy