Electricity from ocean waves

Ocean Harvesting Technologies AB (OHT) develops technology that can capture power and thereby generate electricity from ocean waves. The technology is being developed in an open strategy in collaboration with selected technology suppliers, development partners, research institutes and potential customers. OHT also has a strategic alliance with E.ON, the latter support OHT with funds and knowhow.

In 2010, OHY constructed a 25 kW prototype that will be verified in a laboratory water basin. The control system is currently being developed and will be tested in a test rig with the system’s transmission (Power Takeoff) before the unit is launched on the market; this is planned for 2012. The principles of the system were ratified earlier and demonstrated in a laboratory water basin; there were also simulations and in a test rig – the results were very promising.

The next step is to scale up the prototype to a commercial size with a 100 kW power rating. The pilot tests will be conducted in a climate that is suitable for the commercial extraction of wave energy. Following successful trials, a demonstration installation will link a number of units powerful enough to produce electricity for commercial purposes.

The Ocean Harvester is a point absorber based on a patented mechanical power takeoff (transmission) using a counterweight for power smoothing and limiting energy absorption. These characteristics are very important to ensure a high level of efficiency and effective wave power exploitation, characteristics that ensure a cost effective solution. The anchor chain and counterweight ensure that the plant survives storms. The anchor chain is wound onto a winch type construction that pays out and in allowing the power station to follow even the largest waves – the stroke length is thereby unlimited. The counterweight evens out the mechanical loading on the system and reduces the strain on the construction.

Mikael Sidenmark CEO