Eco Wave Power has declared that a medium-scale wave energy power plant has been installed in the Black Sea, during April, 2012. The Black Sea offered real-life conditions to the company that are essential for examining its wave energy equipment, under the uncontrolled wave periods and heights.
Eco Wave Power's Medium-Scale Wave Energy Power Plant
Features of the shapes of two different floaters, namely the "Power Wing” and the “Wave Clapper”, were tested by the company, which measured the kW output in various wave heights and periods. The company measured the side wave influence on the connections and floaters, wherein the connections link the floaters to the electric devices and show the supply of electricity. It studied the influence of floaters kept close to each other, and investigated the option of combining the two floaters to an electric grid in order to charge a common accumulator, and tested the storm-protection mechanisms of the floaters.
Stormy conditions in the Black Sea on 18 and 19 April influenced the company to carry out stress-test to its floaters. The floaters had been operated for up to 5 m of wave height and they were not damaged in the storm. It has been concluded that two medium-scale wave energy devices are adequate to generate electricity for 6 to 10 homes.
The medium-scale power unit will be moved to a different coastal structure to demonstrate the company’s clients about the easy connection of the wave energy generation system to any ocean structure. The company will initially construct the commercial scale Sea Wave power unit.
First video documentation on the company’s small-scale wave energy generation system testing was released during January 2012. EWP together with the Hydro-Mechanical Institute of Kiev carried out this testing process.