Failure mode and effects analysis of mechanical wave energy converters. (2015) - Chandrasekaran, Srinivasan
A novel method of generating electric power from ocean wave energy using heave motion of a floating buoy is investigated. The proposed mechanical wave energy converter is examined for its efficient functionality through failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to study its reliability. Design FMEA studies are mandatory as the developed methodology is relatively new and still in the development stage. As the preliminary design of MEWC showed high risk priority numbers (RPNs) on few components, a revision is attempted to make the design as safe, simple and reliable. The FMEA tests deliberated in the current study illustrate more accurate estimate of field failure rates and reveal the possible failure modes/design weaknesses ahead of field deployments. The presented study shall be a good showcase for assessing the reliability of product development so that field trials can be justified for successful deployment.