Efficiency Improvements in Modular Ocean Wave Powered Generators

"Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) successfully demonstrated inPhase I that the efficiency of existing Wave Energy Converter(WEC) systems can be improved at least 5 times by making changesin the areas of hydrodynamic design, hydraulic system design andelectric power conversion system design. These changes, coupledwith a modest increase in WEC size are expected to yield a systemthat generates 100 kW alone or in groups for higher powerlevels. The Phase I study also showed that a 25 times improvementin efficiency can be achieved if more radical design changes areimplemented. This more aggressive design approach, whileattractive from a system efficiency and cost standpoint, hasseveral implementation and survivability issues that need to beaddressed.The Phase II Base program proposed by OPT further develops twoalternative WEC designs through computer simulation and wave tanktesting of 1/40th scale models. Upon completion of the sub-scalewave tank tests, one of the two WEC designs will be selected forfurther wave tank testing at a 1/6th scale level. Upon successfulcompletion of the Phase II program, a full-scale system can beocean tested as part of a Phase III program.BENEFITS: The development of a 100 kW ocean wave power generator is of significant importance in both the commercial and military sectors. This is particularly true for remote islands in the Pacific. In these areas, the cost of importing and storingdiesel fuel is very hig