Although it has been around for quite a while, wave energy has not managed to compete with the big guys- wind and solar. The Scotish firm Albatern, however, might be on the way to change this with their scalable array of floating generators.
WaveNET is one of a kind technology comprising of individual wave power generating units, or “Squids”. Each squid can be linked to a maximum of three others to form an array resembling an organic molecule. According to the inventors from Albatern, the higher the number of Squids linked together, the more efficient the harvesting of wave power is.
Looking at the Squid more closely, the individual power generator has its own central pole to which three buoyant floats are attached via an arm. Each arm is then connected with a pump, which harvests energy as the arms and floats move. The energy that is pumped through the units is then converted into electricity through a special “power take-off” module, located at a central for the array point.
What makes this technology unique and much better than any of the other existing wave-power generators, is the fact that it is super flexible and connects directly to the ocean floor. This feature makes it extremely resistant to big waves and consequently damage. In addition, it has the ability to harvest energy from five of all six types of wave movement. And last but not least, most of the technology is placed underwater, making it much more appealing to the eye.
The company has set a very high target for themselves. The plan is that by 2024, they will have 1.25 km-long energy farms, harvesting wave energy to produce the incredible 100 megawatts. We wish them luck, let’s hope their project will have enormous success.
Image (c) Albatern
