Installation Optimisation for Marine Energy Converters to Inform the Designation Process

Abstract

Whilst a number of methods exist for the analysis of site availability and weather downtime via metocean exceedance, there is little available for the detailed analysis of holistic marine energy installation projects. Given the magnitude of expenditure relating to the installation phase of marine energy extraction it is essential that significant cost reduction is achieved in this area. This thesis presents methods for the analysis of marine operations, considering not just the at site work but the project as a whole. The methods developed consider multiple facets of installation in a geo-spatially diverse environment and utilize multiple resources, for example vessels. Consideration of not only the efficiency of work at site, but also the accessibility of the site due to vessel station keeping, mooring and transit limits is included. By considering the project in its entirety work may be scheduled in a realistic manner; including simultaneous operations and at site transit to any of multiple working locations. These methods, packaged as a whole, represent a valuable new tool for utilisation in this area. Novel application of the methods developed is demonstrated and highlights the value, importance and power of this type of analysis. Two marine energy installations are considered as case studies; the Wave Hub in south west England, and a tidal installation at the European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney. These applications demonstrate the knowledge which may be gained and, explicitly in the latter case, the significant cost reductions which may be achieved through the essential optimisation of the installation operations using this newly developed analysis tool.