The new FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility at Scotland's Edinburgh University can simulate waves 28m high – and tidal currents simultaneously – in a world-class testing facility for marine energy devices recently inaugurated at the University.
The University explains that researchers and industrial partners can use the facility to develop and refine full-scale devices. These could include wave and tidal energy converters, floating offshore wind platforms, and vessels to install and maintain offshore projects.
Testing devices at scale in a tank can enable research milestones to be achieved in days or weeks, compared with months or years in open water.
This accelerated development should help bring clean energy products to market more quickly and cost-effectively, at lower risk.
The £9.5 million FloWave facility was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the University.