Oscilla Power, a Seattle-based wave energy developer, has completed the testing of their 1:50 scaled wave energy converter as part of the Wave Energy Prize challenge.
Oscilla Power is developing a wave energy converter called Triton. It is a two-body point absorber, consisting of a large surface float connected by flexible tethers to a submerged heave plate.
As ocean waves excite the surface float, it reacts against the heave plate, generating tension changes in the tethers.
These tension changes are applied to a linear drivetrain, consisting of a hydrostatic load amplification system and a variable reluctance generator that translates the low displacement, high force mechanical energy input into electrical energy.
Oscilla Power states that Triton’s advantages over conventional point absorbers include greater energy production, lower capital costs and lower maintenance costs.
In January, Oscilla Power completed 1:50 model testing at the University of Maine . The team competing for the Wave Energy Prize is now focused on completing the 1:20 model build plan for submission at the end of January.