Scottish startup has found a revolutionary new way to generate electricity from waves

Actually, the idea of ​​using waves as an energy source is not new, it is quite old. The first attempts in this area date back to 1799, but since then there have been several challenges in harnessing wave energy for commercial applications. High cost, harsh weather conditions and insufficient power generation were the main problems. But Scotland-based AWS Ocean Energy takes a different perspective on wave energy systems.

It works like a float

Developed by AWS Ocean Energy, Archimedes Waveswing is a unique system. Essentially acting as a buoy, Archimedes Waveswing responds to changes in underwater pressure caused by waves and converts the resulting movement into electricity via a direct-drive generator. You can watch the working logic from the video just below.

The system, which has a cylindrical design of 50 tons, can be deployed at depths exceeding 25 meters. A single unit can produce energy between 15 kW and 500 kW. It is possible to generate energy up to 10 MW from the multi-platform to be created from these systems.

Unlike wave power systems designed to withstand the ocean surface, AWS’s wave oscillation performance is not limited to wave height dependent motions and thus power output. Instead, it expands and contracts in response to changes in pressures exerted by a passing wave; This means that it can achieve a true point absorber effect regardless of the shape and size of the wave. At the same time, by positioning the system under the sea/ocean, damage caused by harsh weather conditions is avoided.

AWS reports achieving average power over 10kW and peaks of 80kW in “moderate wave conditions” during testing at EMEC. These values ​​are 20 percent better than expected. Trials also show that Archimedes Waveswing can survive Force-10 storm conditions and be fully deployed within 12 hours.

Utilizing wave energy is an area with enormous potential. It does not depend on light like solar power or the power of wind like wind power, meaning it can provide a reliable source of electricity, which can significantly reduce renewable energy prices. For now, the only problem in this area was efficiency. However, this and similar new solutions can open the way for wave energy systems by closing the efficiency gap.