Ocean Power Technologies (Nasdaq: OPTT) says the first of its utlity-scale wave-power devices has delivered better-than-expected initial results from tests being conducted off the northeast coast of Scotland.
It was deployed on April 15, 2011 for ocean trials at a site about 33 nautical miles from Invergordon, Scotland.
Rated at 150 kilowatts (kW), the PB150 device was developed to work in utility-scale wave power stations worldwide.
The trial verified that PowerBuoy produces up to 150 kW on average, in higher wave conditions. When ocean waves were as low as 2 meters, it generated 45 kW, but there were also times it generated over 400 kW.
The system’s performance also exceeded expectations with respect to its energy conversion efficiency in the irregular ocean wave conditions encountered, OPT says.
The device is transmitting real-time data for analysis by OPT’s engineers in the UK and US.
A wave data buoy located near the site provides detailed information regarding incoming waves. Using that information, OPT’s engineers calculate the power levels that should be achieved by the PB150, and analyze these against actual power generation. The result of this process confirms the Company’s ability to predict accurately the PowerBuoy’s performance in varying wave conditions.
The trials are expected to continue for an additional couple of months.
OPT’s PowerBuoy has a low visual profile, as most of the structure is submerged, and is designed to have minimal environmental impact. The PB150 is 135 feet in length, and has a maximum diameter of 36 feet near the ocean surface.
The company has built considerable experience with in-ocean performance of its PowerBuoys, including its PB40 system which has been operating off Oahu, Hawaii, since December 2009 and has subsequently been connected to the grid. That system was developed under a multi-year project for the US Navy.
OPT is currently working toward deployment of a 10-buoy wave farm off the coast of Reedsport, Oregon.
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