Overview

The Wavebob wave energy converter (WEC) is a highly innovative oscillating point absorber designed to convert wave energy into low cost per kWh electricity in order to provide operators with sustainably high returns on capital due to:

- Low capex and O&M costs

- High average electrical power output

- High installed capacity of > 1 MWe

- Automatic adjustment to constantly changing wave conditions

- Ability to maintain on-station at sea

- Powerful response to long period ocean waves

- Predictable output

- Inherent seaworthiness of a buoy structure

Technology demonstration activities have been underway for over 10 years. During that period, proof-of-concept, theoretical analyses and numerical modeling and tank-test verification activities have been undertaken. This development plan has followed a robust R&D process – recognised as the industry standard development protocol for Wave Energy Converters, as developed by the Hydraulics & Maritime Research Centre (HMRC) in University College Cork, Ireland.

To ensure the adoption and execution of engineering best practice, Wavebob has developed a systems engineering approach to its development plan. Systems engineering involves viewing an entire system as a whole functioning unit – not just each of its components. In developing a commercially viable system it is essential that the key requirements and interactions between each sub-component of the system is documented and understood. The Wavebob technical development plan is focused on building full understanding of the operation and performance of the complete system – not just the wave energy converter element. Using a systems engineering approach to create a comprehensive research and development plan allows the company to organize the timeline for the introduction of new or improved capabilities.

This robust development path has proven that the Wavebob WEC has successfully demonstrated its ability to generate electricity purely from absorbed wave power and is capable of an installed capacity of 1.5MW of electrical energy in a North Atlantic site with average electrical output of around 500kW. This capacity is unique among point-absorber technologies.

“Given the many relationships that have been formed between Wavebob and a range of external partners, and the development of the System Engineering approach, then Black &Veatch see no reason as to why WB cannot bring the Wavebob WEC concept to fruition in line with the Wavebob Business Strategy”.

External Technical Due Diligence www.bv.com