Research activities
The coupling between MooDy and WECSim was validated in two ways: i) by comparing WECSim-MooDy simulations, with simulations performed using WECSim coupled to MoorDyn (a Lumped Mass Method mooring code) and; ii) using WECSim-MooDy to reproduce physical model experiments. In both cases, WECSim-Moody showed good results.
Uncertainty quantification tools (UQLab) were successfully coupled to external codes for dynamics of moored structures (WECSim, MooDy and Orcaflex), used in different tasks of MoWE. We identified the Quantities of Interest (QoI) for UQ in mooring systems. These QoI were highly dependent on the case study and, so, their importance had to be analysed carefully in each case.
In a collaboration with the team at AAU working on the project “Mooring Solutions for Large Wave Energy Converters” (MSLWEC), we selected a mooring system of a floating WEC for a reliability study, using our approach based on numerical UQ. The results were published in a conference paper
We analysed in detail the influence that uncertainty in mooring system properties has in the dynamics of mooring cables and of WECs, focusing on the following:
- tension in the cable
- snap loads
- power production.
The results concerning power production were published in a conference paper; the results concerning cable tension were submitted to a journal (Marine Structures, Elsevier) and are pending review; the results concerning snap-loads are being described in a manuscript to be submitted for journal publication with the next two months (Ocean Engineering, Elsevier).
Training activities
The research fellow attended the following training activities:
- “Uncertainty Quantification” at DTU, Copenhagen,;
- “JCSS Advanced Course on Systems Risk Modelling and Analysis in Engineering Decision Making”, at AAU (37.5 h);
- “Basic Course in Higher Education Pedagogy”, (14 h, 2 ECTS);
- “Basic Course in Problem Based Learning, the AAU model”, (14 h, 2 ECTS).
- AAU's Adjunktpædagogikum - University pedagogy for assistant professors (10 ECTS).
Together with Claes Eskilsson and Jens Peter Kofoed, the fellow prepared a career development plan. This plan includes 1 and 5 year goals, training needs, expected research outcomes and networking opportunities.
Networking activities
In a collaboration with Caitlyn Clark (a visiting PhD student at AAU from OSU, Oregon, USA), we started a preliminary investigation regarding synergies between of floating offshore wind turbines and WECs. The results were presented in a conference paper. Another collaboration was started with the Division of Water and Environment of AAU, studying the impact of mooring systems of wind and wave energy parks on the water quality. A publication regarding an early appraisal is scheduled to be submitted before the end of 2019.
Dissemination activities
Two dissemination activities were planned: one at the Partnership for Danish Wave Energy (Denmark) in November 2017, and one at the Blue Business Week (Portugal) in May 2018. The participation at the Blue Business Week replaced with a participation at the Business2sea (Portugal) a Industry-Academia event for networking, because the first event terminated. The participation at the Partnership for Danish Wave Energy was not possible: in 2017 it occurred before the start of the research contract, and in 2018 it did not happen.
The Fellow signed up to for Danish Natural Sciences Festival. Participation on this event happens by request, where companies, schools, book a lecture or demonstration from any of the registered researchers. Unfortunately, the presentation prepared by the research fellow was not booked.
Important project milestones were announced in the Twitter and LinkedIn accounts of the Fellow. Dissemination through LinkedIn was the most successful, because the results were communicated directly to a community that has research interests similar to those of the Fellow.