This site was constructed on a scale of 1:3, which means that the size of its components corresponds to one third of what will be their size in a commercial site. Pelagic Power 1 had 6 active pumps. The installation was connected to a hydro power turbine standing on land. The Technology The technology of Pelagic Power has on a simple working principle based on a wave pump. In its simplest form the wave pump consists of thre components; a linear piston pump, a water anchor and a surface bouy. A full size commercial installation will consist of a large number og pumps that all pump seawater from the sourounding sea into a central pipe system that feeds one or more turbines. A fully commercial installalation will have 50-100 pumps. The Principle Pumps that are afloat 20-40 meters under the surface of the sea are key elements in Pelagic Power’s wave energy concept. In a submerged position, the pumps are not at risk of being exposed to storm waves. Within the new installations lie either so called absorbers or buoys upon the surface. These devices gather energy from the waves and send it to the pumps located further down. The pumps’ movement occurs between the absorber and a water anchor placed on each pump. These pumps are called “pelagic wave pumps” and are not anchored to the seabed. Furthermore, the seawater is pumped in conduits towards the turbine and generator located on the land based power plant. Water anchor of the 2007 test installation. From the left: Dagfinn Røyset, LCD, Reza Hezari, IDM, Anders Tørud, NTNU, Kenneth Brandsås, NTE, Jan Biti og Torbjørn Nielsen, NTNU. Continue to our multimedia page - PP1 - multimedia. |
