Wavepiston – Next Generation Wave Power

In contrast to other larger heavier devices being built, the Wavepiston concept seeks to dramatically reduce the overall costs of electricity generation by constructing a relatively, simple lightweight structure. This device is composed of numerous energy collectors (ECs) that move back and forth in the waves. The motion of these ECs relative to a fixed steel-cable results in the pressurisation of water that is transported to a turbine on shore for conversion to electricity. This idea of connecting several vertical ECs to a structure is issued as a patent by Wavepiston in large parts of the world.The main project objective is to achieve final proof of concept by: 1: Develop a refined hydrodynamic modelThe hydrodynamic model will provide input to the theoretically optimal design of the energy collectors (ECs).2: Over a number of iterations construct and test a small scale demonstration structure ending up with eight ECs and the system connected to the grid.3: Determine power production efficiencyThe project ends by determining the power production efficiency based on collected data. If efficient power production can be demonstrated successfully the output of the project will initiate a full-scale demonstration project in 2017.