Design, Simulation, and Control
NREL's wide range of computing resources allow our scientists and engineers to study the performance of wave energy systems at unprecedented levels of detail, helping to enable the development of innovative and robust system designs.
Wave Energy Conversion Modeling
We're developing open-source computer-aided engineering tools and using high-fidelity numerical modeling methods to provide the wave energy community with state-of-the-art design and simulation capabilities that are needed to develop commercial technologies.
Wave Array and System Integration Analysis
We're developing numerical modeling tools to optimize wave energy system integration with micro- and utility- scale grid systems and tools that can optimize device array layout and performance.
Variable Geometry and Controls
NREL is working to develop wave energy system technologies that provide the ability to optimize power absorption and minimize peak loads and peak-to-average power using novel control strategies and variable-geometry systems, with the overall goal of reducing the cost of wave energy.
Current Energy System Design Tools
Open-source, NREL-developed computational fluid dynamics and system design and optimization tools, such as OpenFAST, are being used in conjunction with NREL's high-performance computing resources to provide industry with the tools they need to advance the state of marine turbine technologies.
High-Performance Computing at NREL
NREL's high-performance computing system users tap into the largest high-performance computing environment in the world dedicated to advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.