Successful completion of AMOG’s Sea-Saw Wave Energy Converter design review in Phase 2

AMOG successfully completed Phase 2 of the EuropeWave Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) Programme, for its Sea-Saw Wave Energy Converter (WEC) technology.

During Phase 2, AMOG undertook a two-stage FEED (Front End Engineering & Design) process, whereby an 8-week Pre-FEED was undertaken from October - December 2022, and a more comprehensive FEED undertaken from January - June 2023.

Pre-FEED included working with AMOG’s design partners, Mainstay Marine Solutions and Supply Design, to define key electrical components and sizings, conduct hull and PTO (Power Take Off) enclosure design optimisation through developing more detailed numerical models, forming design cases and running assessments against ULS (Ultimate Limit State), ALS (Accidental Limit State) and FLS (Fatigue Limit State) conditions for the potential Phase 3 deployment locations. A major outcome from Pre-FEED was the identification of key risks that would be carried through into FEED, along with structure design changes from the design developed in Phase 1.

FEED involved further development of the subsystems of the WEC technology, along with engagement with potential Phase 3 suppliers to optimise the manufacturing plan. Design risks for all subsystems were managed through comprehensive risk assessment. A detailed structural analysis was conducted to ensure health and safety during deployment. Economic modelling was updated and project cost estimates for Phase 3 and LCOE (Levelised Cost of Electricity) predictions were refined based on Phase 1 outcomes and market engagement.

FEED also included the completion of model testing using advanced control methods at the FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility within the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Phase 2 involved several design reviews - independent third-party verification of the WEC design, O&M and installation strategies developed at both the Pre-FEED and FEED stage, as well as a critical design review involving AMOG, their design partners, and the EuropeWave buyers group.

Once again, Phase 2 highlighted that the nature of R&D activities can be challenging for both technical and commercial aspects of a project. While technical challenges were largely overcome, due to commercial considerations, AMOG elected not to progress the design under the EuropeWave PCP programme, choosing to progress discussions with other parties more suited to the larger scale of AMOG’s entry-size device.