Techno-economic WEC system optimisation – Methodology applied to Wavebob system definition

The overall system optimisation of wave energy converters remains a challenging task. Firstly, this is associated with the large number of system parameters and their related constraints, secondly, the complexity of numerical system representations capturing overall system behaviour and, thirdly, the uncertainties in the prediction and formulation of appropriate overall economic system performance objectives. The parameterisation and the modelling challenges require a staged approach for an overall system optimisation. This ranges from simplified system representations exposed to variations within a large parameter space to more sophisticated system models subject to evaluation for a reduced and focused parameter zone. The description of the system dynamics, operation and performance needs to capture the key characteristics of the WEC concept functionality, the technical implementation and the economic application from the beginning and throughout the optimisation and development process. The paper describes the problems that are associated with the widely employed sequential development of wave energy converter (WEC) systems from concept through technology to economic application and presents the methodology applied to the overall techno-economic system optimisation and development process of Wavebob WECs

Techno-economic WEC system optimisation – Methodology applied to Wavebob system definition

The overall system optimisation of wave energy converters remains a challenging task. Firstly, this is associated with the large number of system parameters and their related constraints, secondly, the complexity of numerical system representations capturing overall system behaviour and, thirdly, the uncertainties in the prediction and formulation of appropriate overall economic system performance objectives. The parameterisation and the modelling challenges require a staged approach for an overall system optimisation. This ranges from simplified system representations exposed to variations within a large parameter space to more sophisticated system models subject to evaluation for a reduced and focused parameter zone. The description of the system dynamics, operation and performance needs to capture the key characteristics of the WEC concept functionality, the technical implementation and the economic application from the beginning and throughout the optimisation and development process. The paper describes the problems that are associated with the widely employed sequential development of wave energy converter (WEC) systems from concept through technology to economic application and presents the methodology applied to the overall techno-economic system optimisation and development process of Wavebob WECs

Evaluation of the anatomic effect of physical therapy exercises for mobilization of lumbar spinal nerves and the dura mater in dogs

Objective: To adapt and standardize neural tissue mobilization exercises, quantify nerve root movement, and assess the anatomic effects of lumbar spinal nerve and dural mobilization in dogs. Animals: 15 canine cadavers. Procedures: 5 cadavers were used in the preliminary part of the study to adapt 3 neural tissue mobilization physical therapy exercises to canine anatomy. In the other 10 cadavers, the L4 to L7 nerve roots and the dura at the level of T13 and L1 were isolated and marked. Movements during the physical therapy exercises were standardized by means of goniometric control. Movement of the nerve roots in response to each exercise was digitally measured. The effects of body weight and crownrump length on the distance of nerve root movement achieved during each exercise were also assessed. Each exercise was divided into 4 steps, and the overall distance of neural movement achieved was compared with distances achieved between steps. Results: Neural tissue mobilization exercises elicited visible and measurable movement of nerve roots L4 to L7 and of the dura at T13 and L1 in all cadavers. Conclusions and clinical relevance: The physical therapy exercises evaluated had measurable effects on nerve roots L4 to L7 and the dura mater in the T13 and L1 segments. These exercises should be evaluated in clinical trials to validate their efficacy as primary treatments or ancillary postsurgical therapy in dogs with disorders of the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral segments of the vertebral column

Techno-economic WEC system optimisation – Methodology applied to Wavebob system definition

The overall system optimisation of wave energy converters remains a challenging task. Firstly, this is associated with the large number of system parameters and their related constraints, secondly, the complexity of numerical system representations capturing overall system behaviour and, thirdly, the uncertainties in the prediction and formulation of appropriate overall economic system performance objectives. The parameterisation and the modelling challenges require a staged approach for an overall system optimisation. This ranges from simplified system representations exposed to variations within a large parameter space to more sophisticated system models subject to evaluation for a reduced and focused parameter zone. The description of the system dynamics, operation and performance needs to capture the key characteristics of the WEC concept functionality, the technical implementation and the economic application from the beginning and throughout the optimisation and development process. The paper describes the problems that are associated with the widely employed sequential development of wave energy converter (WEC) systems from concept through technology to economic application and presents the methodology applied to the overall techno-economic system optimisation and development process of Wavebob WECs