Chilean Researchers Conduct Hydrodynamic Tests on Wave Energy Converter
Chilean researchers have recently completed hydrodynamic tests on a wave energy converter (WEC) as part of a collaborative effort between the University of Bío-Bío, Austral University of Chile, University of Edinburgh, and RWTH Aachen University.
The tests were conducted at the Canal de Ensayos Hidrodinámicos UACh to evaluate the WEC’s response under controlled conditions. The research team, led by Professor Fabian Gonzalo Pierart Vasquez, included contributions from Professor Claudio Villegas and Cristian Cifuentes, as well as Master’s students Danilo Pastrana Mendoza, Braulio Neira Verdugo, and Vicente Maximiliano Barrientos Mardones.
According to Danilo Pastrana Mendoza from the University of Bío-Bío, the work is part of the GROW-E team’s efforts within the Mechanical Engineering Department, focusing on control systems, mechanical systems, and manufacturing methods for WECs.
“This has been an enriching experience for the development of wave energy technology in Chile, strengthening research and fostering national and international cooperation in this field,” said Mendoza.
The initiative builds on previous research aimed at developing a full-scale prototype for deployment in Lebu, Chile. The researchers emphasize that the work is conducted solely for academic purposes and is not affiliated with or supported by any companies.
Chile’s unique characteristics make it especially suitable for the development of wind energy and marine energy projects, according to the UBB. The region’s potential for renewable energy sources is vast, and initiatives like the wave energy converter project are paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.