New Materials for Wave Energy Sub-structures

This EUDP funded project will develop a new material that will allow protecting the sub-structure of wave energy converters from rust and scour in a completely innovative way. The advantages that we expect to bring are increased survivability, lower maintenance, minimal/no environmental impact and faster installation procedures. The sub-structures under investigation are foundations, moorings and other components in the water column.
The novel technology uses electrolysis of seawater to precipitate calcium and magnesium minerals to ‘grow’ a crystalline coating over artificial structures, typically expanded steel meshes of any desired shape and size. As a result, a metal cathode frame in sea water, electrified by low DC voltage, will be covered by a layer of limestone that will increase in thickness as long as current is applied. This new composite material has good strength characteristics and the metal inside is completely protected by corrosion.
The methodology for this investigation include the use of screening experiments in the lab., long term field investigations with continuous monitoring. It is expected that all wave energy devices will benefit from this new technology and methods, but particularly bottom based devices such as WaveStar, the SSG and OWC.