Marine Power Systems (MPS) has launched its WaveSub wave energy device onto open water for the initial sea-based testing in Milford Haven.
The quarter-scale prototype of the WaveSub wave energy converter has already completed the first steps of an initial phase of testing by demonstrating its ability to be towed and accessed while being in surface configuration, the UK-based wave energy company MPS said.
Prior to the launch, the WaveSub underwent a full suite of land-based commissioning tests which form a structured program of verification to confirm the WaveSub’s suitability to progress to testing at sea.
Commenting on the initial results, Graham Foster , Chief Technical Officer at MPS, said:
“The positive results from initial sea-based tests for the WaveSub are hugely encouraging for the MPS team. We hope to move through the remainder of this phase of testing with similar success before moving into tests which can confirm the operational ability and energy generational capacity of the WaveSub device in open sea conditions.”
The WaveSub wave energy device, unveiled at Pembroke Dock in October 2017, is designed to generate electricity by harnessing energy from the continual orbital motion of waves under the surface of the sea.
Following the completion of tests in Milford Haven, the WaveSub will be towed to the FaBTest marine test site in Cornwall, England.
At FaBTest, MPS will seek to demonstrate the WaveSub’s power-generation capacity across a broad range of sea states, the rapid installation methodology, its ease of maintenance and its survivability through the harshest of sea conditions.
MPS said the testing results will enable the company to move ahead with its long-term plan to build a full-scale, grid-connected WaveSub by 2020.