Trident Energy repowers wave technology

Trident Energy, a Cambridge-based wave energy developer, plans to begin with the detailed design of its optimised linear generator concept following the technology review by 42 Technology.

Technology innovation and product development company, 42 Technology, undertook a detailed design review of Trident’s existing PowerPod linear generator, and has successfully optimised it for performance, robustness and manufacturability, said Steve Packard, CEO of Trident Energy.

The new re-designed PowerPod II concept is based on a single generic design that can be adapted for use in different types of wave energy converters and certain tidal energy devices, potentially enabling higher manufacturing volumes, lower cost and faster commercial deployment.

The new concept is similar in size to its predecessor but it generates 50% more electrical power on each stroke, Trident Energy informed.

Steve Packard said: “The design improvements and project outcomes have exceeded expectations and the two companies are now progressing to detailed design of the new linear generator technology.”

The magnetic stack configuration has been optimised to allow the linear generator to operate horizontally, widening the available options for installation and operation.

Also, the two companies have implemented improvements to the seal design for ‘in-sea’ operation and to a more robust bearing solution, to further increase reliability and reduce maintenance cycles.

Trident Energy is leading a WaveDrive project, aimed at developing a generic power take-off (PTO) system for use in a broad range of wave energy converter (WEC) devices. The project was awarded almost £500.000 earlier this year from Wave Energy Scotland as a Stage 2 project in its PTO innovation call.

Tim Hurst, managing director of Wave Energy Scotland added: “I am pleased to see the improvements to this technology’s performance. This is a success for Trident and an excellent contribution to the advancement of wave energy technology.”