MPS concludes WaveSub pump testing

Marine Power Systems (MPS), a Swansea-based wave energy developer, has completed the testing of the prototype pump for its WaveSub wave energy converter.

The pump was deployed in the pickling pond, a tidal lagoon in Pembroke Port prior to being recovered for testing. The aim of the pump testing was to determine whether any biofouling or corrosion affected the performance of the pump.

It was conducted by Severn Subsea Technologies (SST), a specialist in the field of subsea marine renewable energy. SST conducted a series of tests to ascertain its performance, including measuring flow rates pre- and post-deployment at sea, MPS’ press release reads.

A critical aspect of the prototype pump testing procedure was to investigate whether the pump could maintain the required flow rates in operation at sea, which, MPS states, is imperative to ensure the safety and reliability of its WaveSub device.

Gareth Stockman, Co-founder and Managing Director of Marine Power Systems, said: “We are reaching some exciting and important milestones as we work towards completing all the necessary procedures required to ensure the successful deployment of the WaveSub device. We are pleased with the positive results from recovering the pump prototype and are optimistic about upcoming testing processes we will carry out ahead of deployment of our quarter-scale WaveSub device.”

MPS plans to test its quarter-scale WaveSub device at FaBTest, a test area situated 2.8 square km within Falmouth harbor, later this year.

The project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, with MPS receiving a £2 million grant in October 2015.

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