High efficency wave energy converters CorPower Ocean
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | CorPower Ocean AB - CorPower Ocean |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | November 2012 - June 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The project goal has been to prove functionality and efficiency of the active phase control technology that is key for the high power density of CorPower Ocean´s Wave Energy Converters. Phase control by latching has been demonstrated and performed well in both regular and irregular waves together with CPO´s buoy design, enabling 3-5 times higher energy absorption compared to traditional linear control. The project goals have been fulfilled, with results confirming the opportunity for large scale energy harvesting and attractive cost levels.
Results and expected effects
The project has resulted in refined dynamic models of the system, new buoy designs and improved control algorithms. The energy absorption has been measured in different wave climates, and hydrodynamic parameters have been calibrated. The results confirm the industrial relevance of the project and the potential for utility scale energy harvesting, and provide the proof CorPower needs to successfully continue the commercialization of the technology.
Approach and implementation
Hydrodynamics, control metods and energy absorption has been verified by tanktesting of 1:30 scale models in a wave tank facility in Porto. The project has been performed in cooperation with the research institutes WavEC Wave Energy Centre (Lissabon) och Marintek (Trondheim).