ON A LOOKOUT FOR PARTNERS
FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER FOR WAVE POWER PLANTS

WAVES Ltd is engaged in technology research for the transformation of wave energy [1]. Our goal is to develop a wave energy conversion equipment for power plants [2], because the wave (green) energy resource has an attractive energy density [3] and, where available, also a large amount of energy [4]. We are aware that this natural phenomenon is hydrodynamically complex and characterised by its own irregularity and seasonality [5].

In the analysis of the possibilities for achieving the target, it is concluded that the acquisition of better results from the transformation of the wave flow should find a way to obtain electricity as directly as possible. Therefore, we have chosen to immediately convert the flows into rotation movement [6].

We have conducted a number of studies testing a number of conceptual solutions for wave power receivers and their components to assess the impact of the specific features of the wave flow on the efficiency of the turbine, evaluation the extent of the wave energy flow in a natural environment [7], including vertical axis Dutch wind rotor [8], horizontal axis turbine and variable blades [9]. and calculate the NPV of a potential wave power plant [10]. We have reached the concept of the converter. It is a special vertical axis wave turbine with adjustable blades [11], the most efficient type of flow input – the maximum use of the lifting force for energy transformation, the use of minimal non-conventional components in design, the maximum adaptation capability for variable flow direction and intensity. No special tuner orientation is required at the change of wave direction.

At the present, the design of the conceptual solution is further developed by analysing the optimal trajectory of a hypothetical wave turbine blade in a wave environment. The intermediate results show, that the solution chosen is perspective. Therefore, we intend to complete the studies launched [12], to test the conceptual solution of the turbine in the laboratory [13], to examine the interworking of all the sub-assemblies of the system [14], to make and try a prototype of an optimized converter [15], to make a converter and to try it at sea [16], to inspect three changers in operation, to produce electricity profiles [17]. A budget has been drawn up for the implementation of this project. It needs 21 million over 7 years for its full implementation EUR.

We are looking for financial partners to implement this project.