Page 40: of Marine Technology Magazine (April 2016)

Offshore: Wave Energy Prize

Waveswing America (Sacramento, Calif.)

The Archimedes Waveswing is a submerged point-absorber wave energy converter which uses the change in pressure caused by passing waves to expand and contract a large piston. The piston houses a linear generator which converts the relative motion of the two parts directly into electric- ity. The unique operating principle of the device provides a gearing effect resulting in ampli? cation of the effective wave height, thus producing a highly effective point absorber. The device is tension-tethered to the sea bed anchor via a structural leg which also carries a ? exible power cable for export of electricity ashore.

The device was originally invented by Fred Gardner in Holland in 1994 and a previous variant was tested offshore Portugal at large scale. The recent innovations have enabled down-scaling of the device, thus improv- ing the energy yield per unit volume and hence reducing the cost of power produced. Initial systems will be rated at 50kW and designed to meet power needs in isolated situations and island communities where the cost of alternatives is high. The technology is expected to progress to utility scale as learning is gathered through early deployments. The current de- sign although novel, is based on many years of experience.

April 2016 40

MTR

MTR #3 (34-49).indd 40 4/4/2016 9:42:03 AM