Conjugate Heat Transfer Analysis of a Wave Energy Converter

Blackfish modelled heat transfer through Mocean Energy's Blue Star 10 wave energy converter to confirm it could operate safely in hot climates. The analysis showed subsystem temperatures remaining safely within limits at the proposed site.

Blackfish Analysis carried out a detailed thermal study of Mocean Energy’s Blue Star 10 wave energy converter to assess its suitability for deployment in hot climates.

Mocean Energy needed to confirm that its Blue Star 10 wave energy converter could operate safely in hot climates, despite the combined effects of solar irradiance and heat generated by internal components.

Blackfish Analysis used Ansys Fluent to perform numerical heat-transfer analysis, creating a conjugate model that accounted for solid conduction and fluid convection throughout the hull and nacelle.

The analysis confirmed that the Blue Star 10 could be deployed at the proposed site, with critical subsystem temperatures remaining safely within their operating limits.

Challenge

Mocean Energy needed to confirm that its Blue Star 10 wave energy converter could operate safely in hot climates, despite the combined effects of solar irradiance and heat generated by internal components.

Approach

Blackfish Analysis used Ansys Fluent to perform numerical heat-transfer analysis, creating a conjugate model that accounted for solid conduction and fluid convection throughout the hull and nacelle.

Outcome

The analysis confirmed that the Blue Star 10 could be deployed at the proposed site, with critical subsystem temperatures remaining safely within their operating limits.

Discuss Your Challenge With Our Engineers

We're passionate about solving challenging engineering problems. If your organisation has a problem that needs solving, we would love to discuss it with you.