Wave Power

After decades and dozens of failed attempts, we have finally harnessed the waves. The ceaseless motion of ocean waves was identified long ago as a possible renewable energy source. But designing a device that could capture that energy while weathering storms and seawater—that’s proven a difficult task. Difficult, but finally solved.

CorPower Ocean’s C4 deployed off the coast of Portugal. Image: CorPower Ocean press kit.

The full-size test unit (the C4, pictured above) was deployed last September. A bit like a buoy, it bobs up and down with the waves. But a typical buoy can’t control how high the waves carry it. This device differs from so many other attempts at generating power from wave action in two main ways: all the moving parts are internal, and the same mechanism that amplifies wave motion in normal operation can cancel out waves during storms to prevent damage. A spring system tries to push the device down while waves push it up—in the absence of active control, its motion is damped even in high seas.

After months of trials and 2000 hours of operation, the test unit was disconnected and brought back to port for inspection and upgrades. Soon it will be redeployed, connected to the Portuguese grid, and is expected to produce a peak power output of 850 kW (a significant jump from the 600 kW originally expected from it). Three C5 units are planned to join the C4 in the next phase.

Waves are one of the most consistent renewable energy sources available. Creating a reliable device to tap into that source presented a series of unique challenges, but the solutions are now falling into place.