Updated 26 May 2020
To reduce the impact of pollution from conventional coal combustion energy generation, a variety of renewable alternatives have been developed including energy from tides and wave to generate electricity. To promote this application, we are keen on techniques to provide a significant reduction in the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
Research funded by: MSc Research Grant 2017/18
Poster: Scott O’Reilly
Supervisor: Prof Rod Jones
University: University of Dundee
Summary:
This project proposed to develop the underlying technological steps that can enable lower-cost, formwork-free, 3D manufacture of individual concrete elements reinforced with a novel, ultra-high performance, non-corroding fibretendon, ie ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for wave energy convertors (WECs).
This obviates the need for formwork and falsework and will use an unbonded post-tensioned structural format, which will allow a reduction in concrete element thickness. More significantly, being permanently isolated from the concrete, unbonded tendons are able to be de-stressed, re-stressed and/or replaced should they become damaged or need their force levels to be modified in-service and provide enhanced overload performance.