Share reportPower Take Off
This programme supported a wide range of Power-Take Off systems that each proposed a step change in the capital cost and/or efficiency/performance over current technology.
Lead contractor
Romax Technology Ltd
Sub-contractor(s)
Sea Power Ltd
Limerick Wave Ltd
Pure Marine Gen Ltd
University of Sheffield
Overview
The aim of this project from Romax was to demonstrate a robust, effective Power Take Off (PTO) solution comprising a gearbox and generator which may be applied to a wide range of Wave Energy Converter (WEC) types and deliver a low cost of energy.
The expected opportunities arising from this technology are its extremely high transmission efficiency and ability to take advantage of the highly cost-competitive global supply chain which already exists to supply similar products to the wind energy industry.
The project established the feasibility of producing a geared PTO with sufficient capacity to withstand the loading produced by a large self-reacting attenuator WEC (the SeaPower Platform), and that such a PTO could deliver the required damping torque to achieve good levels of energy capture across a wide range of sea states. The project then conducted further simulations, small-scale rig testing and tank testing to investigate variations on the baseline PTO configuration which have the potential to deliver even higher energy capture while enhancing controllability, survivability, and quality of electrical output to the grid.
Stage 1
June 2017
This Stage 1 project summary report includes a description of the technology, scope of work, achievements and recommendations for further work.
Stage 2
July 2018
Included within this public report is a high level overview of the activities completed on the Romax PTO project during Stage 2.
Features include an overview of the scope of work completed, the project achievements, lessons learnt, performance against key metrics and recommendations for future work.
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