Power on the crest of a wave
This month sees the launch of a new breakthrough in efforts to harness energy from the oceans with the launch of a newly developed 'experimental wave energy device' in Plymouth in the UK. The device, which is approximately 15ft in diameter and extends 40ft below the sea-surface, will be moored in the approaches to Plymouth Sound. A European consortium of small companies and universities, coordinated by the University of Plymouth, has spent the last 18 months working on the device and has attracted significant funding from the European Commission's 'CRAFT' scheme. CRAFT projects encourage collaborations between small companies and universities throughout Europe to create problem-solving innovations. While the idea of generating electricity from the sea is not itself original, how to harness wave power as a source of sustainable energy has stumped researchers across the world for many years. The new device, however is hoped to address this issue. It works on the principle of multiple water columns which oscillate with the movement of the sea waves. Air displaced above the water in the columns drives an air turbine to generate power. 'Whilst still at an experimental stage, research work to date indicates that the device will generate electricity more efficiently and in a greater quantity than in previous attempts. Unlike many other devices, this device is actually a free-floating buoy, which means that not only can it move with the waves to better withstand storm conditions, but there are also fewer limitations as to where it can be situated,' say researchers at the University of Plymouth. The technology could be used to supply power to remote islands and offshore installations where communities currently rely on expensive traditional means of generating power, consuming valuable natural resources. In contrast, sea waves are a renewable resource, and wave energy technology can provide a clean, unobtrusive and cost-effective alternative, suggests the research team. 'In the longer term, the power generated from this technology could serve coastal towns, contribute to regional power requirements, and ultimately supplement the National Grid with no pollutants or toxic residues,' they add. After the launch in July, it will take the research team another six months to test and evaluate the device. Special equipment mounted in the device will relay data back to the shore, so the team can continuously monitor its performance. The device is based on a unique concept, invented and patented by a small British company, Embley Energy Ltd, who have commissioned the University of Plymouth to develop and test their theories.