UK-BASED COMPOSITE materials manufacturer, Fibaflo, has supplied to ocean-power-delivery the composite cylindrical sections for the one-seventh scale model of the Pelamis Wave Energy Converter (WEC). The prototype is seen as a crucial step in the development of the full-scale device which will be capable of generating over 2.5MkW/hr of electricity per year.
The Pelamis WEC is a semi-submerged, articulated structure, composed of cylindrical sections linked by hinged joints. The wave-induced motion of these joints is resisted by hydraulic rams which pump high pressure oil through hydraulic motors via smoothing accumulators. The hydraulic motors then drive electrical generators to produce electricity with power from all the joints being fed down a single umbilical cable to a junction on the sea bed.
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