New material for wave energy sub-structures

This project will develop a new material that will allow protecting the sub-structure of wave energy converters from rust and scour in a completely innovative way. the advantages that we expect to bring are increased survivability, lower maintenance, minimal/no environmental impact and faster installation procedures. The sub-structures under investigation are foundations, moorings and other components in the wave column. The material proposed for investigation is called BioRock. The novel tecnology uses electrolysis of seawater to precipitate calcium and magnesium minerals to 'grow' a crystalline coating over artificial structures, tipically expanded steel meshes of any desired shape and size. As a result, a metal cathode frame in sea water, electrified by low DC voltage, will be covered by a layer of limestone that will increase in thickness as long as current is applied. The new composite material has good strength caracteristics and the metal inside is completely prtected by corrosion. The methodology for this investigation include the use of screening experiments in the lab, long therm field investigation with continuous monitoring. It is expected that all wave energy devices will benefit from this new technology and methods, but particularly bottopm based devices such as WaveStar, SSG and OWC.