WaveEL wave energy device hits water

Waves4Power, a Sweden-based wave energy developer, is currently installing its WaveEL wave energy buoy at Runde test site off Norway.

WaveEL buoy, together with its anchors, has already been deployed at Runde test site, with the connection hub and cables expected to be installed this evening, Waves4Power confirmed to Tidal Enegy Today.

Ulf Lindelöf, CEO of Waves4Power, said: “Our Chief Engineer arrives Sunday to start up the system. Data is already being transmitted from the device.”

The WaveEL system is comprised of an 8 meter long acceleration tube, open at both ends, which goes right through the buoy and is sticking down 30-35 meters below it.

As waves rise and lower the buoy with the attached tube, they will move differently from the water column in the tube. By placing a piston connected to a hydraulic conversion system in the tube, a pump is created.

The hydraulic pump is connected to an accumulator feeding a hydraulic motor with a generator that converts the hydraulic pressure to electric power.

The aims of this deployment are to demonstrate survivability, energy production and to give potential customers an opportunity to evaluate the system performance in a challenging wave climate.

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