Wave energy device under development
Climate – Energy Solutions Update
Wave energy device under development
NIWA has deployed this wave rider buoy off Hokianga to collect data on a potential location for testing the prototype wave energy device outside the lab.
NIWA is part of a collaborative R&D project which aims to develop, test, and deploy a proof-of-concept wave energy converter in New Zealand by 2008. The other partners are Industrial Research Ltd (IRL) and Power Projects Ltd.
Most wave energy devices developed to date are large and extract only a small proportion of the total energy in each passing wave. We are aiming to make a lightweight, compliant device, which is small in mass but 'thinks big'. The device will have controls that forecast incoming waves and 'tune' its response to changing wave patterns. The four-year project is now at its mid-point, and the team has made substantial progress. The consortium is currently applying for a patent over the device.
NIWA's role is in hydrodynamics and investigating likely locations for a test deployment. We have deployed a wave-rider buoy off Hokianga which is one of the likely initial deployment locations. This is bringing in valuable wave data from a woefully under-sampled coastline. In conjunction with IRL, NIWA has sponsored a Master of Engineering student at the University of Auckland to conduct laboratory studies using model devices, including high-resolution flow visualisation techniques. Mooring resilience is likely to be fundamental to the project success and we have a visiting student from France assisting with running OrcaFlex – a state of the art oil industry design package – to help design the mooring system.
IRL, meanwhile, has developed concepts for direct drive power take-off. Power Projects is responsible for industry liaison and developing an 'economic benchmarking procedure' to assess the financial viability of design options.
The project is funded by the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology.
More information: www.wavenergy.co.nz