Based on the concept of a unidirectional oscillating water column (OWC), WSE’s technology offers artificial blowholes that allow waves to enter a hollow chamber that is open underneath the waterline and drive a turbine, thereby generating electricity. WSE’s technology works on unidirectional air flow, which simplifies the associated air turbine. This is in contrast to conventional OWC technologies that are bidirectional, requiring air turbines to operate on reversing flow. A bidirectional system necessitates either an inefficient or a complex turbine with pitching blades, or a complicated system requiring the redirection of flow on each cycle. Being unidirectional, the WSE’s technology offers a robust, cheap, and efficient turbine over bidirectional systems.
Our technology is now on the cusp of true commercial viability, thereby providing clients with a solution that is finally cost effective and environmental friendly
Further, WSE’s technology covers a range of uses apart from electricity generation. It also proves to be beneficial to combat the issue of coastal erosion. The traditional methods of dealing with this problem are installing breakwaters, sea walls, and groynes that require a significant capital outlay, which is a sunk cost. On the other hand, WSE units, when deployed in close proximity to each other, act as a breakwater or sea wall while converting that energy into electricity. This not only protects the coastline from erosion but also generates an annuity-style revenue stream from the electricity generated.
To demonstrate the commercial viability of the technology, WSE is developing a project on King Island, which will be operating by Q2 next year. The company is developing this 200 kW wave energy facility on King Island in conjunction with a local provider, Hydro Tasmania, which is Australia’s largest generator of renewable energy. WSE will deliver energy from the project and integrate operations with the existing high penetration renewable network of Hydro Tasmania, that will independently meter the energy produced and validate the efficacy of the project. “Our technology is now on the cusp of true commercial viability, thereby providing clients with a solution that is finally cost effective and environmental friendly,” notes Denniss.
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Company
Wave Swell Energy
Headquarters
Victoria, Australia
Management
Dr. Tom Denniss, CEO
Description
Wave Swell Energy (WSE) has developed a technology that converts wave energy into electrical energy to produce clean electricity that complements base load. Based on the concept of a unidirectional oscillating water column (OWC), WSE’s technology offers artificial blowholes that allow waves to enter a hollow chamber that is open underneath the waterline and drive a turbine, thereby generating electricity. WSE’s technology works on unidirectional air flow, which simplifies the associated air turbine. This is in contrast to conventional OWC technologies that are bidirectional, requiring air turbines to operate on reversing flow