Articles

Developing wave energy

Lithuanian coastal waters

wave_generator_sea_bridge_303x148The concept of electricity production from wave energy developed by the Coastal Research and Planning Institute focuses on the effectiveness of the conversion process in small-scale utilisation projects. It is based on a newly developed linear movement generator. The linear generator is oil and almost vibrations-free. It can offer high capacity due to a unique arrangement of magnets. It is thus suitable for use in any known type of small and big scale wave energy conversion systems.

Low costs and high energy efficiency of the developed concept might unlock the opportunities for other “low wave energy” basins in Europe and worldwide. In order to test the linear generator, several prototypes have been developed and tested:

  • Stand-alone deployment in an almost 100% water isolated floating carrier (see below video clip). The device has no flexing parts and has no electric parts exposed to the sea water. A ridged structure is fully resistant to any ocean conditions, bio fouling and corrosion;
  • Attached to Single Point Mooring Buoy in order to ensure the additional electric power supply during stormy weather when other sources of energy and/or maintenance of the electricity supply is not possible;
  • Attached to the pier concept (see above picture) providing the possibility for enlightenment of illuminators along the pier.

Generator awarded first prize in innovation contest

Prototype Testing showed that the generator, despite its relatively small dimensions and low cost materials, operates very efficiently and produces a substantial amount of electric power. This generator is at least by 14,7% more efficient than rotary motion generators. It combines simplicity and efficiency with a small structure almost free of vibrations.
The linear generator – an essential part of the prototype – has been awarded the first prize in the “engines” category in an innovation contest at the 2012 BALTTECHNIKA exhibition in Vilnius. The below video clip shows the generator as a stand-alone deployment in a floating carrier.

logo_corpiFurther information

Nerijus Blažauskas
Klaipeda University Coastal Research and Planning Institute
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www.corpi.ku.lt