Marine Energy – Making Waves | Research Capability & Technology Portfolio

The Water Research Laboratory (WRL) is a world-leading fundamental and applied research organisation that tackles some of the world’s most challenging water engineering problems. It offers laboratory facilities to test waves and currents in 2D and 3D, at scales appropriate for coastal engineering, device and array testing.

Competitive advantage

The largest and most comprehensive hydraulic laboratories in Australia, including 2D and 3D wave-making facilities, and high flow-rate flumes
Among the best coastal physical modelling facilities in the southern hemisphere
Over 60 years’ experience conducting marine energy field-measurement campaigns across the world
State-of-the-art facilities, equipment and some of the world’s most creative problem solvers in this area of research
Being NATA certified for Quality Assurance guarantees that commercial activities are executed with strict regard to quality, time, budget, and delivered in accordance with authorised contractual agreements

Impact

The ability to physically model and test marine devices allows design optimisation and extreme load measurement to ensure the safety and efficiency of foundations and subsea cables.

Capabilities and resources

Large 3D Wave Basin with segmented wave-making capability, 2 deep wave flumes (with combined wave/current capability), open channel flumes
Extensive suite of laboratory sensors including wave probes, current meters, LIDAR, 3D FARO, submersible load cells and pressure sensors
Large range of offshore and marine field measurement equipment