Seatricity, a Cornwall-based wave energy developer, has completed the Oceanus technology testing at Beaufort Wave Basin of the Marine Research Center at the University of Cork, Ireland.
The trial was conducted from July 13 to 17, 2015, during which a number of load cases were tested including float motions, mooring loads and power output.
A a 3D-printed model representing 1:40 scale model of Oceanus 2 that was used for for the trials gave an accurate representation of the full scale device for tests involving form specific float drag and heave response, Seatricity’s press release reads.
The tests included a submerged test designed to define tether peak loading when the Oceanus pump is locked down in ‘survival’ mode, with scale waves of 6.5 m being tested.
Furthermore, Seatricity tested a new design of WEC float in conjunction with the existing scale PTO prototype from Antigua.
The float is designed for a small desalination device, with the focus on deployability – the full scale floats will be designed to fit into a standard ISO shipping container, according to Seatricity.
The data acquired from this WEC float model will allow Seatricity to compare the energy capture of the new float design against the potential cost saving of an easily shippable device.
The testing of the device was supported by the MARINET FP7 programme.
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Image/Video: Seatricity