Research
Research
GROW-E develops research on marine renewable energy systems, with emphasis on the design, modelling, control and experimental validation of wave energy technologies adapted to the Chilean coast.
Research Areas
Wave Energy Converters
Design and analysis of point absorbers, attenuators and other wave energy converter concepts for efficient energy capture under realistic sea states.
Control of Marine Energy Systems
Development of control strategies for maximizing energy extraction while considering operational constraints, device performance and system reliability.
Numerical Hydrodynamic Modelling
Use of computational tools for hydrodynamic analysis, wave-structure interaction, device response prediction and performance assessment.
Experimental Hydrodynamics
Laboratory-scale and prototype-scale testing to validate models, characterize dynamic behaviour and evaluate the performance of marine energy systems.
Marine Renewable Energy for Chile
Adaptation of ocean energy technologies to local environmental conditions, coastal infrastructure needs and the wave climate of the Chilean coastline.
Integrated Design and Validation
Combined use of analytical, numerical and experimental approaches to accelerate the development of practical and scalable marine energy solutions.
Research Approach
Our work combines theoretical modelling, numerical simulation, laboratory testing and field-oriented engineering. This integrated approach allows us to study marine renewable energy systems from early-stage concepts to validated prototypes.
1. Concept Development
Identification of relevant engineering challenges and formulation of new device concepts and performance improvement strategies.
2. Numerical Analysis
Hydrodynamic, mechanical and control-oriented modelling using analytical methods and numerical simulation tools.
3. Experimental Validation
Validation through wave tank experiments, controlled testing and prototype-oriented measurements.
4. Real-World Application
Focus on technologies with practical potential for coastal energy supply and marine infrastructure support in Chile.
Capabilities
Numerical Tools
- Hydrodynamic and wave-structure interaction modelling
- CFD-based simulation of marine systems
- Dynamic and control-oriented models
- Performance analysis under regular and irregular waves
Experimental and Applied Work
- Wave tank and laboratory validation
- Prototype design and deployment-oriented studies
- Instrumentation and data analysis
- Technology adaptation for coastal environments
Connect with Our Research
Learn more about our ongoing projects, scientific publications and collaborative activities.