After first phase of operations, CorPower Ocean’s wave energy device ‘proven at commercial scale’

CorPower Ocean’s C4 wave energy converter (WEC) has completed the first cycle of the ocean commissioning program at the Agucadoura site in northern Portugal.

Now proven at commercial scale, at the exposed Atlantic test site, CorPower said that the C4 device had demonstrated a unique ability to tune and detune according to varying sea states, limiting response to extreme storm waves, up to 18.5 meters, while amplifying motion and power capture in regular waves using novel phase control technology.

The Swedish company also noted that the progression marks a crucial milestone for wave energy addressing the two major obstacles that have hampered commercial adoption to date: survivability and efficient power generation in normal ocean conditions. 

Since deployment in August 2023, all key aspects of the C4 system functions have now been verified, including power export to grid, automated control and monitoring of the system as well as safe operations and maintenance (O&M) methods.

The collected data is said to have allowed calibration of the digital twin, an extensive numerical model used to predict the system behavior. Measured motion and power output data from the machine operating with novel WaveSpring phase control has slightly exceeded predictions by the digital twin for the machinery settings used, CorPower said.

The first operational phase has been concluded by disconnecting and towing the C4 device back to CorPower Ocean’s on-land base in Viana do Castelo for its first planned maintenance cycle.

C4 is now going through a planned on-land check-up sequence, with adjustments and upgrades to be performed based on the learnings collected from the first cycle of operation. When completed, the system will be redeployed in Agucadoura and will be taken through a ramp-up phase to demonstrate full power capacity including further advancement in control methods.

When the commissioning program has been completed, a power performance assessment phase will be initiated.

The survivability of the C4 WEC has been verified by weathering four major storms, with confirmation of the ability to re-commence operations and power export to the grid after each storm. To remind, C4 operated through Babet and Aline storms, and the most energetic period was experienced on November 4, 2023, with storm Domingos sending swell to the site with wave heights up to 18.5 meters.

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