📋 Case Study
Eco Wave Power’s Gibraltar Breakwater WEC Integration
Limited embedment depth for anchors due to reinforced concrete substructure; high cyclic hydrodynamic loading during storm events
🏗️ Project Overview
Grid-connected wave energy converters mounted on existing breakwater structure
🎯 Challenge
Limited embedment depth for anchors due to reinforced concrete substructure; high cyclic hydrodynamic loading during storm events
🔧 Design Approach
Customized vertical-lift hinge foundation with corrosion-resistant stainless steel pivot pins; hybrid mooring using pre-stressed elastomeric tendons and deadweight anchors
📐 Design Diagram
AI-generated project design illustration
📐 Key Calculations
Hinge Moment Capacity
M = Fₕ × h + Fᵥ × e
Result: 128 kNm (exceeding design load by 22%)
Ensured rotational stability under 100-year wave event
Tendon Preload Loss
ΔP = P₀ × (1 − e^(−kt))
Result: 8.3% loss after 5 years
Informed maintenance schedule
📊 Results
Zero structural failures over 4 years; >92% operational uptime; certified to IEC 62600-2 Class III requirements💡 Lessons Learned
- •Existing infrastructure integration demands bespoke kinematic constraints
- •Pre-stressed elastomers outperform chains in low-displacement, high-cycle applications
- •Material selection must prioritize galvanic compatibility in mixed-metal environments
✅ Key Takeaways
- 1Existing infrastructure integration demands bespoke kinematic constraints
- 2Pre-stressed elastomers outperform chains in low-displacement, high-cycle applications
- 3Material selection must prioritize galvanic compatibility in mixed-metal environments