New partnership makes waves for UK energy
18 Mar 2009 by Evoluted New Media
The likelihood of the UK being able to produce widespread energy from wave-generated power has been given a vital boost.
The likelihood of the UK being able to produce widespread energy from wave-generated power has been given a vital boost.
Aquamarine Power Limited - a marine energy company - and Queen’s University Belfast have agreed a new five year research partnership which will develop the next generation hydro-electric wave power converter.
Already the partnership has created the Oyster wave power device. It is designed to capture the energy found in amplified surge forces in nearshore waves. The first prototype of Oyster, a hydro-electric wave power converter, is to be launched at sea for the first time this summer at the European Marine Energy Centre off the coast of Orkney.
Martin McAdam, chief executive of Aquamarine said: “I am delighted to announce Aquamarine’s continuing relationship with Queen’s University Belfast’s team. This agreement creates a fantastic opportunity on two fronts. Firstly it provides Aquamarine with access to the University’s world-class wave power test facilities, enabling Aquamarine to continue to enhance the design of Oyster as a market leading technology, and as importantly, gives us access to the brightest PhD students in this field.”
The system consists of a simple steel oscillating wave surge converter, or pump, fitted with double acting water pistons deployed near-shore in depths around 10-12m. Each passing wave activates the pump - which delivers high pressure water via a sub-sea pipeline to the shore. Onshore, high-pressure water is converted to electrical power using proven, conventional hydro-electric generators. The nearshore location is easy to access; and the most complex part of the system is onshore, so it is accessible 365 days a year.
