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Volume 14
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10.3390/en14206537
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Review

Niche Applications and Flexible Devices for Wave Energy Conversion: A Review

by
Emiliano Renzi
1,*,
Simone Michele
2,
Siming Zheng
2,
Siya Jin
2 and
Deborah Greaves
2
1
Department of Mathematical Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
2
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Energies 2021, 14(20), 6537; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206537
Submission received: 14 September 2021 / Revised: 1 October 2021 / Accepted: 3 October 2021 / Published: 12 October 2021
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Modelling of Wave Energy Converters)
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Abstract

We review wave energy conversion technologies for niche applications, i.e., kilowatt-scale systems that allow for more agile design, faster deployment and easier operation than utility scale systems. The wave energy converters for niche markets analysed in this paper are classified into breakwater-integrated, hybrid, devices for special applications. We show that niche markets are emerging as a very vibrant landscape, with several such technologies having now achieved operational stage, and others undergoing full-scale sea trials. This review also includes flexible devices, which started as niche applications in the 1980s and are now close to commercial maturity. We discuss the strong potential of flexible devices in reducing costs and improving survivability and reliability of wave energy systems. Finally, we show that the use of WECs in niche applications is supporting the development of utility-scale projects by accumulating field experience, demonstrating success stories of grid integration and building confidence for stakeholders.
Keywords: wave energy; niche applications; flexible wave energy converters wave energy; niche applications; flexible wave energy converters

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MDPI and ACS Style

Renzi, E.; Michele, S.; Zheng, S.; Jin, S.; Greaves, D. Niche Applications and Flexible Devices for Wave Energy Conversion: A Review. Energies 2021, 14, 6537. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206537

AMA Style

Renzi E, Michele S, Zheng S, Jin S, Greaves D. Niche Applications and Flexible Devices for Wave Energy Conversion: A Review. Energies. 2021; 14(20):6537. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206537

Chicago/Turabian Style

Renzi, Emiliano, Simone Michele, Siming Zheng, Siya Jin, and Deborah Greaves. 2021. "Niche Applications and Flexible Devices for Wave Energy Conversion: A Review" Energies 14, no. 20: 6537. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206537

APA Style

Renzi, E., Michele, S., Zheng, S., Jin, S., & Greaves, D. (2021). Niche Applications and Flexible Devices for Wave Energy Conversion: A Review. Energies, 14(20), 6537. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14206537

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