Risk analysis of wave energy converter system using failure mode and effect analysis

Abstract

This study reports the development of the reliability analysis of a wave energy converter system. It covers the description of a generic wave energy converter with emphasis on the functions of components, the development of the reliability methodology based on Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA). The highlight of the study is the evaluation, by a team of experts, of the functional failures of the selected components based on risk factors of the probability of occurrence, the severity of consequence and detectability. These evaluations form the basis for the calculation of the Risk Priority Number (RPN): an index representing the risk-held in each of the identified functional failures. The analysis revealed five critical components, namely hydraulic fluid (1000), filter (900), valves (800) and oil reservoir (560) and pressure line (700), whose failure holds about 80% of the total risk exposure of the system. The result of the study can serve as decision support towards - product improvement for emerging technologies as well as towards maintenance prioritisation (management) for existing technologies.