Following review of existing methodologies for parametric analysis of ocean energy array design, the development of the DTOcean software tool is presented. DTOcean can quantify variability by simulating the design, deployment and operation of arrays with higher complexity than previous models, designing sub-systems at component level. A case study of a theoretical floating wave energy converter array is used to demonstrate that the variability in LCOE can be greatest for the smallest arrays and that investment in improved component reliability can reduce both the variability and most likely value of LCOE. A hypothetical study of improved electrical cables and connectors shows reductions in LCOE up to 2.51% and reductions in the variability of LCOE of over 50%; these minima occur for different combinations of components.

Partners of the project: The University of Edinburgh, Tecnalia, IWES, HMRC MCC, The University of Exeter, Aalborg University, Marintek, WavEC Offshore Renewables, France Energies Marines, Iberdrola, Vattenfall, DEME Blue Energy, Prysmian, Tension Technologies International, ITP Power, Sandia National Laboratories, Joint Research Centre, Ocean Energy Europe

Funding: This project has received funding from the European Union's FP7 under grant agreement n°608597.