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Wave Power Stations
Wavegen in Inverness, Scotland, is Voith Siemens Hydro’s “center of competence” for wave energy. As such, it also conducts research and development of wave energy systems. Wavegen focuses on converting wave energy to electrical power through oscillating water columns (OWC).

Wells turbine and the principle of the oscillating water column 
In this process, the waves create oscillations on the water’s surface in a partially submerged hollow chamber that is open at the bottom. These oscillations continuously compress and decompress an air column above the chamber. This difference in pressure compared to the environment, is utilized, with the help of a Wells turbine, to convert the rotational energy and generate electricity via a generator. During this process, the turbine is subjected to bi-directional flow, but never changes its direction of rotation.

Wavegen has two product lines based on oscillating water column technology: 

 
Shore-Line and/or Near-Shore Wave Power Stations

Limpet, Island Islay 

In a collector building constructed on the coast and open toward the sea, a hollow chamber is created in which air is compressed and decompressed by incoming and outgoing waves. In an analog manner, such a collector building can also be immersed in water with a depth of approximately ten meters some hundred meters off the coast. In addition, these plants can be utilized as mooring places for smaller vessels and boats.

Wells turbines in shore-line and near-shore wave power stations are typically rated at 100 – 500 kW per unit.

250-kW Plant, Isle of Islay
In 2000 a 250 kW pilot plant was commissioned on the West Coast of Scotland, whose electricity is fed to the national grid. The plant, a land-installed machine unit driven by ocean energy, has been given the memorable name "Limpet" (Land Installed Marine Powered Energy Transformer). The collector is placed like a gastropod, or "limpet"; lending it to be named after the sea creature.
 
Breakwater Technology

Harbor facility in Mutriku 

With this technology, the power station is integrated into a newly built concrete structure, like a breakwater or coastal protection project. As a result, costs can be significantly reduced. The breakwater turbines used in this context are also based on the oscillating water column principle and have a nominal output of 20 – 100 kW per turbine.

300-kW Plant in Mutriku
The world's first breakwater wave power station is being built in Mutriku on the Atlantic coast of Spain.  With a nominal power of approximately 300 kW, enough power to supply approximately 250 households. In the winter of 2008, the plant consisting of 16 Wells turbines will be installed in the breakwater of Mutriku, which is to be newly built by the local authorities.

The main advantages of this technology are reflected not only by the fact that construction costs can be shared with public works projects, but also by the utilization of existing infrastructure (grid connections, access paths , etc.).


www.wavegen.com