bioWAVETM
The bioWAVETM is being developed for utility-scale power production from ocean waves. Its nature-inspired design (biomimicry) combines high conversion efficiency with the ability to avoid excessive wave forces, enabling supply of grid-connected electricity at a competitive price per MWh.
The bioWAVETM is de
signed to operate in ocean swell waves, absorbing energy both at the surface and below. It is a bottom-mounted pitching device, which spans the full depth. The bioWAVETM prototype currently under development will operate at a depth of 30m, while the planned 1MW commercial model will operate where the depth is 40-45m.
The energy capture and conversion process for bioWAVETM has been confirmed through peer reviewed scientific research, extensive device testing at model-scale, and by measured results from dry-tests on our full-scale grid-connected O-DriveTM test module.
An ocean-based 250kW bioWAVETM demonstration project is currently under development at a grid-connected site with further plans in place to develop a 1MW demonstration, followed by multi-unit wave energy farms.
How It Works
The bioWAVE
TM is mounted on the seafloor, with a pivot near the bottom. The array of buoyant floats, or "blades", interacts with the rising and falling sea surface (potential energy) and the sub-surface back-and-forth water movement (kinetic energy). As a result, the pivoting structure sways back-and-forth in tune with the waves, and the energy contained in this motion is converted to electricity by an onboard self-contained power conversion module, called
O-DriveTM. The
O-DriveTM contains a hydraulic system that converts the mechanical energy from this motion into fluid pressure, which is used to spin a generator. Power is then delivered to shore by a subsea cable.
The result: efficient clean energy from the ocean.
bioWAVETM Advantages
Maximum Efficiency – 3 patented features enable optimal performance
Feature 1: Patented multi-blade design maximizes capture width
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The patented multi-blade design presents a wide capture area to the oncoming waves, while avoiding the inherent deficiencies of a single-flap design. The individual blades combine to absorb incident wave energy over a wide range of wave conditions with robust performance. The captured energy is directly converted to electricity by the O-DriveTM power conversion module.
Feature 2: Vertically-arranged blades aligned with full flux of incident energy, both at the surface and below
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The bioWAVETM is designed for intermediate water depths (40-45m), with the buoyant blades positioned to intersect with the zone of maximum energy flux, both at the surface and below. This unique configuration sets the bioWAVETM apart from surface-based technologies (buoys, attenuators, and OWCs) that do not receive sub-surface energy, and from shallow-water technologies that operate in regions of lower incident energy.
Feature 3: Pivoting ability to continually align with swell direction
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The bioWAVETM is designed to naturally pivot to maintain alignment with the ocean swell waves, enabling optimal energy capture and reducing structural loading
Low-Cost Installation
Modular deployment and retrieval using standard vessels
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A two-step installation process avoids the use of expensive marine equipment (cranes, barges, jack-up rigs), and requires only standard services vessels.
Unique Survivability
Designed to lay flat against the seabed to avoid exposure to extreme wave conditions
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During infrequent extreme wave events, the bioWAVETM is automatically triggered to cease operating and assume a safe standby position lying against the seabed. This enables the use of lighter construction materials, for economical system survivability.
Convenient Servicing
Detachable O-DriveTM Power Take-Off (PTO) modules simplify O&M
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The detachable O-DriveTM power conversion module houses an efficient hydraulic-electric system, sealed within a pressure vessel, and isolated from the marine environment. The O-DriveTM is detachable and easily replaceable, allowing for low-cost and convenient servicing.
Minimal Impact
Out of view and harmonious with the marine environment
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The bioWAVETM is fully submerged and would not be visible from shore. This feature should help facilitate public acceptance. The slow motions of bioWAVETM, and its smooth surfaces, should minimise any disturbance to the environment.
