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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/ELGEN Wave Horizon Platform
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ELGEN Wave Horizon Platform
ELGEN Wave Horizon Platform is a self-contained wave farm consisting of a rigid prism-shaped hull structure open to the sea containing multiple clusters of small point absorbers. The point absorbers are simple heave-actuated floats which are acted upon by waves and swells, rising and falling accordingly. The floats are linked to a drive shaft, which spins a generator. The electricity from the generator is fed to the utility grid on shore via an under sea cable laid on the ocean floor. With the exception of the floats, all of the components mentioned are of standard manufacture and commercially available. And the floats themselves, although irregularly shaped, are simply sealed containers.
As stated by the developer, perhaps the most unique portion of the technology is the platform. The platform is designed to be minimally affected by waves and swells, allowing it to remain nearly motionless even in fully developed (rough) seas. This ability to mimic the rigidity of a fixed platform allows Horizon to be placed in deep water where wave activity is more intense than nearshore. This seemingly "fixed" nature of Horizon also drastically mitigates the tendency of the platform to rise and fall as its floats are acted upon by waves. Horizon has a predicted 50:1 stability ratio, meaning that for every 50 units of float travel, the platform would only move 1 unit, translateing to a 98% efficiency.
Additional Information
Device Status
Is the device actively being developed or is available for purchase (active)? Or has development or support ended (inactive)?
Inactive
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
Hydraulic Generator
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 10 May 2022
1
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
1 April 2025
Citation Formats
“ELGEN Wave Horizon Platform.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/ELGEN_Wave_Horizon_Platform. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "ELGEN Wave Horizon Platform." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/ELGEN_Wave_Horizon_Platform.
