SurfPower:
A patented near-shore wave energy conversion system with unique wing shaped pontoons each coupled to a seawater pump that anchors the assembly to the seabed. The long axis of the pontoon automatically aligns itself with the crest of oncoming waves, irrespective of the wave direction. The seawater piston pump is unlike any other in that it discharges pressurized water through a hollow rod to a collection main located on the sea bed.
SurfPower operating in 8 meter waves showing above surface and underwater views.
Pressurized water delivered by a number of pontoons is collected by the seabed main and delivered onshore to operate a conventional pelton turbine generator set delivering electrical energy directly to the grid.
Installations normally have 10 -15 pontoon/pump assemblies. This number of units is required to provide a constant flow (pulsation-free) of hydraulic energy to the onshore pelton turbine generator and thereby maximize the utilization of onshore generating equipment. Systems can be created with rated capacities from 2- 50 MW. Pontoon size increases with system size, each delivering up to1 MW for deployment in energetic wave regimes.
SurfPower configurations require a minimum number of components in the water and all electrically-related components are shore based for easy access and minimum cost.
SurfPower is deployed in relatively shallow water (20-40 meter depth) and the low profile of the pontoons (about 1 meter high) will be invisible from the shore most of the time. When the pontoon is active the upper surface is essentially flush with the surface of the waves.
When a client requires reverse osmosis desalinated water, a portion of the generated flow can be directed to a reverse osmosis desalination plant, eliminating the need for pre-filter and membrane pressurization pumps and the associated cost of energy required to operate them.
Development of SurfPower does not require the creation of new technical devices. Design and construction of pontoons, piston pumps and marine pipelines are all well established technologies. Pelton turbine generator sets are available from a number of international suppliers.
