Life cycle assessment and productivity analysis of a point absorber wave energy converter

The global energy transition, indispensable to gradually reduce the carbon intensity of many energy sources, is determining a significant development in offshore renewable technologies. However, when considering their entire life cycle, it is not completely environmentally friendly, and, as for the fossil fuels, some are more impactful than others. The evaluation of these impacts is, therefore, fundamental and can be used to optimize manufacturing processes to reduce the quantity of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere and related energy consumption. The dissertation focuses on the complete life cycle assessment analysis of a wave energy converter, specifically a point absorber, starting from the goal and scope definition and following with the life cycle inventory of all the materials and processes used to build, install and decommission the device. Subsequently, through a life cycle impact assessment, the different impacts of the wave energy converter on the environment are investigated and compared with other ocean energy technologies. A sensitivity analysis is also performed, considering various key performance parameters. The work also involves the productivity estimation of the point absorber, including the solar panels and wind turbine placed on its top. While the latter is computed by elaborating data from PVGIS and Global Wind Atlas, the former is obtained by implementing the different input parameters, such as the device hydrodynamic and geometric information together with the metocean data from the installation site, in a specific Matlab-Simulink model. Finally, the productivity analysis is performed on other installation sites, and the resulting changes in the impact assessment parameters are estimated and compared with the original values.