Extreme conditions analysis tool for WECs gets update

 
The WEC Design Response Toolbox (WDRT) for extreme response and fatigue modeling and analysis received an update to its environmental characterization model.

The WDRT, developed by Sandia National Laboratories and The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), provides extreme response and fatigue analysis tools, specifically for design analysis of ocean structures such as wave energy converters (WECs).

The open-source tool was developed to address the inability to determine a device’s response to large amplitude motions, wave slamming, wave overtopping, and other extreme sea states, which could result in device failure or costly overdesign.

Researchers and developers can use the WDRT for straightforward application of statistical and engineering methods needed for design response analysis of a WEC, including characterization of environmental extremes, extreme response statistics, fatigue analysis, and design wave composition.