During the ReWater project, Ocean Oasis successfully advanced its wave-powered desalination solution by validating its MVP to a pre-commercial configuration, through a combination of engineering refinement, subsystem testing, and field trials.
Key work performed includes:
Pilot testing: The full-scale prototype "Gaia" was tested in Gran Canaria over multiple campaigns, validating all major systems including the power take-off, control software, and the desalination process, generating robust operational data under varied wave conditions.
Subsystem optimization: Power take off, hydraulic systems and reverse osmosis systems were refined for reliability, modularity, and maintainability. Critical components were stress-tested, and design improvements were implemented to reduce wear, improve ease of maintenance, and extend operational life.
Process and instrumentation: The instrumentation and control architecture was designed, including an onboard PLC and a scalable remote monitoring platform, ensuring autonomous operation and readiness for multi-unit supervision from a central control center.
Wave resource modelling and design adaptation: Hydrodynamic analysis tools were validated through new model tests. Buoy response in production and survival seastates, and the evoulution of wave fields over coastal bathymetries were investigated using both well established and state-of the -art CFD analysis tools, enabling optimization of buoy dimensions and accurate prediction of expected production performance for target markets.
Manufacturing and construction planning: Hull construction strategies were developed. Modularization of the desalination process was adopted to streamline future deployments.
These achievements have de-risked the core technology, validated critical assumptions on performance and durability, and positioned Ocean Oasis for the pre-commercial phase, where the first commercial units will be deployed and connected to an off-taker in Gran Canaria.