Roadmap

The Ocean Harvester has so far been successfully validated through a land based test rig, extensive computer simulations and water laboratory tests. The results are very promising and have proven the power smoothing capabilities, good behaviour and survivability in extreme wave conditions and no entanglement between mooring and counterweight lines.

On-going phase

In the on-going phase, a 25 kW prototype is constructed for sea trials. The detailed design is completed and construction is planned to be started in Q2 2012. Deployment into the ocean is planned in Q3 2013 and testing will continue for approx. 6 months. The purpose of this test is to verify survivability and system functionality in the ocean environment, measure performance (i.e. power output and power smoothing), prove the concept and gain reference data and experience for continued development.

Going forward

In the next phase, the pilot phase, the system will be scaled up to approx. 100 kW and connected to a test grid. The pilot device will be tested in stronger wave conditions, where the best economy for most wave power devices is found.

After the pilot phase, a demonstration wave farm, approx. 2-4 MW, will be deployed and produce power to the grid. The technology will then be ready for large scale commercial installations ranging from 100-200 MW and beyond.