Chilean Research Team Completes Scale Model Testing of Lafquenewen Wave Energy Converter
Representatives from the Chilean research team have announced the completion of scale model testing of the Lafquenewen wave energy converter (WEC) at the FloWave Ocean Energy Research Facility at the University of Edinburgh. This significant milestone marks a crucial step towards the deployment of marine energy off the coast of Lebu.
The research project, conducted in collaboration with the Austral University of Chile (UACH), the University of Edinburgh, and RWTH Aachen University, aimed to strengthen international ties for the development of marine energy in Chile.
“This experience allowed us to work in a world-class facility and engage with experts in marine energy technologies. One of the highlights was conducting experiments in the circular wave tank at FloWave, where we tested a scale model of the Lafquenewen Wave Energy Converter developed by the GROW-E research group at the Universidad del Bío Bío. These tests provided valuable insights for the upcoming deployment of the device on the coast of Lebu, Chile,” stated Danilo Pastrana Mendoza from the University of Bío-Bío (UBB).
The researchers expressed their gratitude to Thomas Davey for facilitating access to the facility, as well as to Shaun Fraser and Martyn Lennon for providing technical assistance during the testing campaign.
“Special thanks to Fabian Gonzalo Pierart Vasquez for entrusting us and involving us in this remarkable project, which underscores the significance of international cooperation and technological advancements in promoting clean energy solutions for Chile,” added Mendoza.
The research work originated from the GROW-E team (Group of Renewable Ocean and Wave Energy) at UBB’s Mechanical Engineering Department, focusing on control systems, mechanical systems, and manufacturing methods for WECs.
In a related development, Chilean researchers recently completed hydrodynamic tests on a WEC as part of an academic collaboration between UBB, UACH, the University of Edinburgh, and RWTH Aachen University.