While many wave power systems have been deployed, a new multi-axis generator could dramatically increase the efficiency of wave power.
Called Renewable Wave Power (RWP), the Lancaster University project is a semi-submersible wave generator that can convert the motion of a wave into energy regardless of its direction.
Inspired by the swirling currents that surround England, the RWP’s initial prototype was built to respond specifically to the currents that surround the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland. In a test carried out in wave tanks at the University of Lancaster, a series of interlinked RWP generators were able to effectively absorb wave forces regardless of direction.
Although the RWP’s initial tests were enough to convince the folks at the Dyson Awards, David Forehand from the Institute for Energy Systems in Scotland is still looking for further proof that the RWP can be a game-changer. "The real test for a device is its cost of energy", said Forehand.
And Forehand is right.
In 2017 Scotland, which is looking to become the world leader in wave generation technology, will award its $15.8M Saltire Prize to a company that can create the most effective wave power generator. Designing a system that can harness energy cheaply at scale will be the core criteria for the Saltire Prize. Being able to capture multi-directional wave energy is a step towards that goal.
Images and Video Courtesy of the James Dyson Foundation