Waveswing America, one of the finalists in the Wave Energy Prize challenge, has finalized the design and started construction of its 1:20 scale wave energy converter ahead of Carderock testing.
The Waveswing America team focused on improving the fidelity of the model, incorporating the active PTO system and engineering for reduced losses, the team informed.
In parallel with the mechanical design, Waveswing America has been progressing its dynamic control software, and according to the team, data from the 1:50 trials was used to to refine and validate WEC’s numerical models which are essential for tuning the control system so it achieves maximum output.
Over the next few weeks, Waveswing America will start assembling the model, complete the design and build of the self-deploying anchor system necessary for the large tank, finalize the control systems and make preparations for a return to the University of Iowa for pre-testing of the 1:20 scale model.
The team is developing subsea pressure-differential point-absorber wave energy device, which takes highly efficient point-absorber concept and combines it with efficient linear generator technology and advanced control algorithms to maximise yield, with the potential ratings of 500 kW and above.
The testing of the 1:20 scale model will be conducted this summer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Maneuvering and Seakeeping (MASK) wave-making facility at Carderock, Maryland.