Technology Developer
PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Energy Island Lilypad
From Open Energy Information
< PRIMRE | Databases | Projects Database | Devices
Energy Island Lilypad
The Lilypad Wave Energy Converter, WEC, consists of a floating flexible membrane which follows the motions of the seas, which is connected by ties to a submerged membrane which is weighted and valved. As a wave goes past, its high point will cause the upper membrane to pull on the ties, the lower membrane being designed to resist the upward forces. An extensible hose pump can be used to create hydraulic pressure, that can then activate a Pelton turbogenerator. The hose pump’s extension being very limited, tough elastic tie elements are also used to extend sufficiently to allow the rise and fall of the upper membrane. These elements can be designed to resist extension at a constant force, which can be transferred to a rotary system encapsulated in a surface mounted sphere, where electricity is generated. Because of its geometry, the Lilypad WEC can act not only as an energy producer, but can also fulfil an important role as a breakwater. It will reduce the force and height of waves, and can so be used to protect marine installations, or marine intervention activities. It can be used to form temporary harbours. It can also form an oil containing structure around oil spills, more effective than oil booms. It can be towed in sections to required locations. Where land is menaced by rising sea levels and rougher seas, the Lilypad WEC can offer protection and simultaneously produce energy to pump back sand or earth to eroded coastlines. In this capacity, it can play an important role in erosion control. Because of its flexible nature, it offers little danger to navigation.
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
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: 1 January 2020
3
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
--------------------------------------------
Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
--------------------------------------------
Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
10 October 2024
Projects Using Energy Island Lilypad
Filters:
Citation Formats
“Energy Island Lilypad.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Energy_Island_Lilypad. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Energy Island Lilypad." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Energy_Island_Lilypad.
