NEW WAY TO HARVEST OCEAN WAVE ENERGY

New method of harvesting wave energy

January 1, 2015 (Energy Harvesting Journal)

“…Alabatern Wave Energy from Scotland has created WaveNET, an offshore array-based wave energy converter that uses the motion of waves to generate electricity. The floating structure of the WaveNET is flexible in all directions, and capable of capturing power from the ocean regardless of wave direction and array orientation. WaveNET arrays are formed by interconnecting the unique SQUID generating units…The most significant benefits of this array-based approach to wave energy come from improvements in power yield and potentially dramatic reductions in project costs…[T]he ocean's energy pushes and pulls the array's structure; each SQUID unit's articulated joints flex, absorb some of the wave's energy, with any unabsorbed energy passing to the next unit, all the way through the array. This unique design allows the array to respond to the full orbital motion of the waves, from any direction, and allows power capture from 5 of the 6 elements of wave energy: pitch, roll, heave, surge and sway…WaveNET arrays appear from the surface as a series of isolated buoys, similar to those of mussel farms, reducing visual impact and potential conflict with other sea users. As much as 300 MW per km² is possible for large arrays. This compares to 15-20 MW/ km² for other wave devices…” click here for more

click to enlarge

Tweet