Abstract
The Oyster® Oscillating Wave Surge Converter is a seabed mounted wave energy device that consists of a buoyant flap that is free to oscillate about a pivot. It completely penetrates the water column and is located within the near shore region in a water depth of 13m.
As with any marine wave energy converter the foundation design and the survivability characteristics of the device itself are of paramount importance.
To address this issue an extensive series of experiments was carried out to investigate the foundation loads experienced by the device in extreme sea conditions. Experiments were conducted using a scale model of Oyster® and the resultant foundation loads were measured using a five degree of freedom load transducer developed specifically for this purpose.
This paper will discuss the design, calibration and operation of the five degree of freedom load transducer as a well as a discussion on error checking procedures used to verify the accuracy and resolution of the device.
Samples of the data generated during the test series are presented to demonstrate the operation of the load transducer. A discussion of Extreme Value Analysis (EVA) data processing techniques used to estimate the loading upon the flap for a range of events with increasing return periods is also presented.