The WaveDrive project will design and develop low cost, highly reliable and highly controllable linear generator (LG) power take-off (PTO) technology for wave energy converters (WECs).
Combining detailed engineering design work with an advanced “wave to wire” model which allows simulation of PTO performance across the full range of wave conditions and for a wide range of WEC devices. The deliverables of this project are fully aligned with WES objectives and the overall requirement to drive down LCOE. The development of the direct drive linear generator as a power take-off (PTO) system for wave energy converters directly addresses the cost, reliability and maintainability issues associated with current PTO solutions.
The development of an associated real-time control system based on solid state power electronics is expected to yield significantly increased technology performance for wave energy.
The project is led by Trident Energy, a company with an established track record in developing LG technology for wave energy applications, with a range of project partners including SME technology innovators, a leading academic institution, a specialist engineering test facility and a highly experienced renewable energy consultancy.