Test a new machine to generate power using the waves
Unlike many other mechanisms for harnessing the energy of the waves, the new concept, Oyster using hydraulic technology to transfer wave energy to the coast, where it is transformed into electricity.
According to Ronan Doherty, head coach of the team that developed the prototype of Oyster, a key aspect of its design is an oscillator of 18 meters wide, which uses wave tanks and based on research conducted at Queens University Belfast (United Kingdom) under the direction of Trevor Whittaker.
This oscillator is attached to a piston and, when activated by wave
action, high pressure pumps water to shore via an undersea pipeline. On
land, a conventional hydroelectric generator makes this water at high
pressure into electrical energy.
New ideas
"The whole field of electricity generation from wave power is a
pioneer," said Doherty. However, "Oyster technology is truly innovative
because it is based on simplicity. The component that is located at sea
(a wing of high reliability with a minimum of moving parts submerged) is
the key to success when operating in sea areas with adverse weather
conditions, in which maintenance can be very difficult.
No generator, power electronics, or gearboxes submarine which can go
off. The whole complex team of power generation is fully accessible on
land, "added the researcher.
Tailored
The Oyster is designed for installation in waters near the shore at a
depth of between 12 and 16 meters to take advantage of the sea area more
consistent and stronger directional propagation of waves. The height
and the load of the waves are smaller to increase its useful life, and
allow a high percentage of average annual production and a constant
energy distribution.
Any surplus energy beyond the top of the wing, as its capacity allows rotation literally dives under the waves.
According to scientists, the environmental risks associated with this
device are minimal, since it uses only water and hydraulic fluid instead
of oil. Furthermore, the process does not involve any toxic substances,
and its operation is silent. According to figures that manage the
Carbon Trust, annual carbon savings of each machine can reach 500 tons.
Although in an early stage of development, the concept of Oyster has broad potential for use in many parts of the world.
"Our computer model of the coasts most suitable for the application of
this technology indicates that suitable candidates in Europe are Spain,
Portugal, Ireland and the UK. But worldwide there is a huge scope in
areas such as the U.S. west coast and the coast of South Africa,
Australia and Chile. We believe that the potential market could exceed
50,000 million pounds, "Doherty concludes.
Source: SaludyCiencias.
