Atmocean is aiming to deploy a scaled wave energy demonstration system off the coast of Peru early in May, 2015.
Fully commercial Atmocean’s wave energy system would consist of 15 buoys that would have a rated capacity of 0.5 MW.
The system being prepared for deployment off Peru is a scaled 1/3 demonstration system, consisting of 5 buoys.
This demonstration system will act as a proof of concept, building upon previous single buoy pilot tests and deployments.
Aside from producing electricity, the alternative product of the system is desalination – production of fresh water from sea water – which makes the system suitable for dry regions such as Peru and Chile.
The electricity is produced onshore, with pressurized water transmitted in a seafloor hose to the onshore turbine operating a generator.
The company said that they are aiming for a fully commercial deployment by the end of 2015 and 100 systems deployed by the end of 2017/18.
Take a look at the animated video of Atmocean’s system in action.