A three-year collaborative project funded by the European Commission has produced an open source software package as a wave and tidal energy array design tool.

Software modules identify optimal layouts, components, and procedures. Credit: DTOceanDevelopment of the DTOcean package involved 18 partners from 11 countries under the coordination of the University of Edinburgh.

Given a set of user inputs regarding the chosen wave or tidal energy converter and array location, DTOcean can identify optimal layouts, balance of plant including specific components and logistics procedures for that array. Optimization is based on the levelized cost of energy, and additional feedback on reliability and environmental impact is provided.

The complimentary computational models address hydrodynamic array layout, electrical system architecture, moorings and foundations, array installation, and operations and maintenance.