Ocean Power Technologies’ PowerBuoy Systems Produce Grid Compatible Power

Ocean Power Technologies Inc (OPT) has declared the successful extending of grid connectivity to a wave energy equipment kept at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) in collaboration with the US Navy.

The extension of connectivity amply proves the capability of the OPT manufactured PowerBuoy systems to generate electricity to match the requirement of a utility connectivity and get connected to the grid meeting the requirements of national and international specifications.

OPT deployed the PB40 PowerBuoy under a continuing testing program with the US Navy to test its technology. The project that commenced as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was located at the Office of Naval Research with important goals to test the dependability and endurance of the product along with successful grid connectivity. During December 14th last year the PowerBuoy was put to use and kept nearly three-quarters of a mile away from the shore of Oahu at a depth of 100 feet. Since then the PowerBuoy is functioning continuously and has generated electricity from more than 3 million power take-off cycles and is continuously functioning for 4,400 hours. The PowerBuoy received certification from Intertek Testing Services an autonomous laboratory and meets the standard requirements of UL1741 and IEEE1547 and is ETL listed. The system also incorporates a number of on-board sensors to supervise the system changes, outside working conditions and the parameters of its lifecycle. The computers located in the buoy send across the collected data by utilizing fiber optic cables to a system located onshore for analyzing and determining its performance.

Charles F. Dunleavy OPT’s Chief Executive Officer, said that OPT has been in ocean testing for a number of years and performing it in Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He outlined the hard work of its engineers and personnel from marine operations for the success of the project. He thanked the Navy for the facilities extended and said that Grid connectivity is the most important landmark of the project and proved its commercial viability.