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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Atmocean Waverider
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Atmocean Waverider
As waves pass under the array (as seen here to the right), the buoys rise. A series of free-floating platforms called Variable Sea Anchors or “VSAs” are connected beneath the pump and provide drag to the rising buoys. The pumps located between the VSA and buoy are designed to take advantage of the resulting tension to pull in sea water and pump it towards shore. The entire array acts in series with five pumps along three separate strings to increase the volume and pressure of water being delivered on shore through a central pipe. The seawater is then run through an R/O system that takes advantage of the arriving pressure to desalinate the seawater with no external energy input. Pressurized seawater can also be directed to land based aquaculture. As Atmocean reaches economy of scale and realizes additional efficiency, future arrays could be used for power production with pressurized water going through a simple Pelton water wheel to generate renewable electricity.
Additional Information
Device Status
Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?
Active
Technology Type
Power Take-Off
Mechanism that converts the motion of the prime mover into a useful form of energy such as electricity, learn more
Direct Use
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 24 September 2017
7
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
9 June 2025
Citation Formats
“Atmocean Waverider.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Atmocean_Waverider. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Atmocean Waverider." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Atmocean_Waverider.
