The perfomance of AW-Energy's wave energy device WaveRoller has been independently verified by DNV GL, signifying a major milestone for near-shore wave energy converters on their way to commercialization and large scale deployment.
The device received its validation after operating in fully exposed ocean environment during testing campaigns in 2012 and 2013. AW-Energy submitted detailed data covering wave conditions and device performance for external verification.
DNV GL (formerly Garrad Hassan & Partners Ltd) extensively studied the device to verify its efficiency at different stages of power conversion and, derive a power matrix for WaveRoller.
Raw data analysis and verification of data processing algorithms within the measurement instrumentation were included in the review to ensure reliability of key input variables.
The DNV GL study results were all in line with AW-Energy's own calculations, with the power captured consistent in both calculations, equally for low and high sea states.
DNV GL verified that the hydraulic stage of the Power Take-Off (PTO) showed excellent performance and electricity was generated even in very mild conditions of about 1m significant wave height.
“DNV GL and AW-Energy have been working closely to establish an appropriate framework for the design of the WaveRoller wave energy converter (WEC)," said Mr. Joao Cruz, Head of Wave and Tidal Energy at DNV GL. "This has involved a series of numerical and experimental modelling exercises, which have now been extended to the comparisons with full-scale results. The results are very encouraging, and demonstrate AW-Energy's adherence to the industry best practices. This positions the WaveRoller WEC technology at the forefront of the wave energy industry."
“To our understanding, AW-Energy is the first wave energy technology company to conduct such an extensive independent verification of its operational results. This proves that wave surge converters like WaveRoller are clearly becoming the industry standard for near-shore wave energy." added Mr. John Liljelund, CEO of AW-Energy.
Previous WaveRoller PTO bench tests and simulations also matched field performance, providing significant impetus for AW-Energy's newest project: a full scale PTO- testing-facility, currently under construction in Finland. Full-scale next-generation WaveRoller PTO units will undergo rigorous operational tests at the facility. The results will provide a solid basis for performance estimates of the upgraded design.
