THE Resource Centre for Innovation and Design (RCID) is a multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy based in Newcastle University.

It was recently involved in developing a subsea structure for a new wave power generator, capable of surviving a hundred-year storm as well as many millions of wave cycles.

Edinburgh-based Aquamarine Power have designed and built Oyster®, a prototype hydro-electric wave power converter. This is a nearshore device that harnesses the energy in the waves to produce a flow of pressurised seawater, which is then used in a shore-based turbine to generate electricity. The machine uses a large flap, hinged at its base and with a substructure connected to the seabed by piles.

The RCID worked on the detailed design of the flap and subframe structure under extreme sea loads and, particularly, to assess the resistance to long-term fatigue.

Oyster®'s challenging nearshore location and connection to the seabed presented a number of problems for the design team. The RCID carried out detailed finite element analyses to take account of variations in seabed rock stiffness and operating mode. Detailed analysis of major bolted and welded connections was required, which was complicated because the major load paths were complex and variable depending on site conditions.

Third-party approval of the entire design package of the device has now been achieved and Oyster® and its foundations have been successfully installed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney.

The RCID has provided technical support to a range of companies in the offshore, oil & gas and renewable energy industries. These include working with consultants and service organisations as well as equipment suppliers and we can undertake detailed structural design including 3D modelling from first layout through to final design. We can carry out detailed structural design calculations as required by Classification Societies and National bodies. This work includes hand calculation and finite element analysis from the initial design stage through to the final drawings.

For more information on RCID: Email: rcid.info@ncl.ac.uk web: www.rcid.ncl.ac.uk