Material Selection Framework for Lift-Based Wave Energy Converters Using Fuzzy TOPSIS

Abel Arredondo-Galeana (), Baran Yeter, Farhad Abad, Stephanie Ordóñez-Sánchez, Saeid Lotfian and Feargal Brennan
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Abel Arredondo-Galeana: Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK
Baran Yeter: Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK
Farhad Abad: Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK
Stephanie Ordóñez-Sánchez: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XJ, UK
Saeid Lotfian: Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK
Feargal Brennan: Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0LZ, UK

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-26

Abstract: Material selection is a crucial aspect in the design of reliable, efficient and long-lasting wave energy converters (WECs). However, to date, the development of tailored methodologies applied to the material selection of WECs remains vastly unexplored. In this paper, a material selection framework for the case of lift-based WECs is developed. The application of the methodology is demonstrated with the hydrofoils of the device. Offshore steel, high-strength offshore steel, aluminium alloys, and carbon- and glass-fibre-reinforced composites are considered and evaluated subject to relevant criteria for wave energy converters, namely structural reliability, hydrodynamic efficiency, offshore maintainability, total manufacturing cost and environmental impact. Candidate materials are assessed via fuzzy TOPSIS for three scenarios of the life cycle of the WEC: conceptual, commercial and future projection stages. Results show that the choice of optimal materials could change from present to future and that multi-criteria decision-making tools aided by a fuzzy approach are useful design tools for novel WECs when field data are scarce. Hence, methodologies such as the ones presented in this work can help in reducing the probability of mechanical failures of emerging WEC technology.

Keywords: wave energy converter; wave energy; lift-based wave energy converter; WEC; hydrofoil; material selection; multi-criteria decision making; failure mode analysis; fuzzy TOPSIS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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