VIDEO: Azura wave energy device

June 12, 2015

Northwest Energy Innovations (NWEI), a Portland-based wave energy player, has developed Azura wave energy device that uses a float that can rotate 360° or oscillate back and forth harnessing the energy from the waves to produce electricity.

Azura is a multi-mode, point absorber wave energy converter that extracts power from both the heave (vertical) and surge (horizontal) motions of waves to maximize energy capture.

The system produces power as a result of the relative rotational motion between the hull and float.

The power take-off (PTO) system is based on high pressure hydraulics and is located within the PowerPod.

The PowerPod converts the heave and surge motion of the wave into useful electricity.

Two hydraulic cylinders, driven by the eccentric shaft, are located in the lower legs of the pod in a flooded compartment.

High pressure flow lines penetrate the bulkhead between the dry and wet portions of the PowerPod.

All other components of the PTO system are located in the upper horizontal member of the pod.

As the force of an approaching wave causes the float to rotate and the hull to heave and surge, the crankshaft drives the hydraulic cylinders.

The pressure from the cylinders is accumulated and then used to drive a variable displacement hydraulic motor, which in turn drives an electrical generator, producing variable frequency alternating current.

According to NWEI, a key feature of the Azura design is that the float can rotate continuously through 360° or oscillate back and forth, which enables the device to extract energy in various wave conditions and improves the overall efficiency of the system.

NWEI’s Azura has recently been deployed at the Navy’s Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) off Hawaii.

The device has been connected to the electricity grid, and will power Marine Corps Base located on the island.

Take a look at the video of Azura wave energy device under real sea testing conditions.