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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Green Power Island (GPI)
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Green Power Island (GPI)
Wave Energy Technology is developing a floating wave energy converter dubbed the Green Power Island (GPI) . The GPI wave energy converter (WEC) uses the vertical movement of the waves to generate electricity. A float in the center rises and falls with the movement of the waves. The float is fixed to a long rod-shaped component and rises and falls perpendicular to the ocean surface. This kinetic energy is converted into rotational energy by gears to drive a generator and produce electricity. Unique to this design is that it is equipped with thrusters (propulsion systems for ships) and GPS to control the position of the device, as opposed to using traditional anchoring methods that may pose a risk to the marine environment when driven into the seabed. This integrated control system prevents the device from being swept away by waves; even if it moves from the impact of a wave, it will automatically return to its original position.
The GPI has already received two domestic patents for the GPI and one in the EU. It then applied for patents in the US and other countries, and is expected to obtain patents in China and Australia as of January 2021.
A scaled prototype (1.4 m in diameter) was tested in 2017 and confirmed to produce electricity. Currently, Wave Energy Technology is working on the development of a commercial-scale unit that will be 14 m in diameter and will have an estimated capacity of up to 1.2MW. The company is currently searching for partner organizations and investors to cover the costs of manufacturing. However, the company says that a lack of recognition is hindering this effort.
In the future, Wave Energy Technology also plans to offer a larger commercial-scale wave energy device that will be 32 m in diameter and will have an estimated capacity of up to 5MW
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 Drive Generator
Max Rated Power Capacity
The maximum amount of electricity that can be produced by the device, as rated by the manufacturer.
1200 KW
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 1 August 2024
6
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
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Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
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Submerged - Bottom
Last Modified
22 August 2024
Projects Using Green Power Island (GPI)
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Citation Formats
“Green Power Island (GPI).” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Green_Power_Island_(GPI). Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Green Power Island (GPI)." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Green_Power_Island_(GPI).
