RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
DELIVERING COST- EFFECTIVE POWER
Many attempts have been made to develop a cost- effective technology to convert the energy in ocean waves into electricity
Wave Swell Energy (WSE), with a staff that totals more than fifty years of combined experience in the development of oscillating water column (OWC) technology, is now able to deliver power from waves at costs that are comparable to that of conventional fossil fuel electricity generation when developed at scale.
OSCILLATING WATER COLUMN The technology of Wave Swell Energy is based on the well-established concept of the oscillating water column. An OWC is effectively an artificial blowhole. It is a large hollow concrete chamber, partially submerged and sitting on the seabed, and vented to the ocean through an underwater opening. The chamber also includes a small opening to the atmosphere above the water line, in which is housed an air turbine.
As wave crests and troughs pass the OWC, water enters and leaves the chamber through its submerged opening. This water rises and falls inside the chamber, causing the pressure of the air trapped above to oscillate between positive and negative pressure. These pressure fluctuations force the air to pass by a turbine at the top of the chamber, generating electricity as it does so.
ONE DIRECTION AIR FLOW The fundamental difference between the Wave Swell Energy OWC technology and that of other companies using OWCs is that, via
an ingenious conceptual difference, proprietary to the company, the WSE turbine is only exposed to air flow from one direction. This results in a much simpler turbine design, which is also more robust, more reliable, and at the same time exhibiting a higher energy conversion efficiency.
NO MOVING PARTS There are no moving parts in or below the water. This means maintenance is only ever required to be performed on the easy-to-access regions well above the ocean.
The fundamental commodity produced by the Wave Swell Energy technology
is electrical energy. Connected to the WSE turbine is an off-the-shelf generator, chosen for its compatibility with local grid requirements. Electricity is generated at whatever frequency and voltage is required for easy transmission into the grid.
The standard Wave Swell Energy OWC produces a peak power output of 1MW. For multiple unit projects of 20MW or more, the cost of generation of energy in regions with good wave climates is expected to be under US 7 cents per kWh.
Wave Swell Energy
www.wavetidalenergynetwork.co.uk
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