OPT’s wave energy converter buoy starts ocean tests

US-based marine energy company Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) has commenced the first ocean tests of its next-generation increased power wave energy converter buoy.

The Mass-On-Spring-Wave-Energy-Converter (MOSWEC) prototype, deployed offshore New Jersey, “has been performing as expected and has already endured storm conditions at sea”, OPT reported.

“We are thrilled to announce the deployment of our operational size MOSWEC prototype, which represents a significant advancement in wave energy conversion technology,” said Philipp Stratmann, president and CEO of OPT.

“With its smaller size, lower price, sealed design, and increased energy generation capabilities, the MOSWEC prototype is a major step forward in our mission to provide innovative and sustainable marine energy solutions.”

According to OPT, MOSWEC’s design enables modularity and commonality for the next-generation buoy platform, making it more efficient in terms of transportation, serviceability, and maintainability.

The prototype allows for the integration of wind and solar energy generation, providing increased and diversified energy output compared to the previous wave energy converter PB3.

In the summer of 2022, the US company secured a piece of the $12 million that the US Department of Energy (DOE) had awarded for marine energy and hydropower projects as part of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.

OPT is said to hold multiple patents related to MOSWEC technology.

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