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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/NoviOcean WEC
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NoviOcean WEC
NoviOcean is a non-resonant buoyant wave energy converter that extracts energy from the vertical motion (heave) of the waves. It is essentially comprised of two main subsystems which are both unique to the wave energy industry. The “rectangular float” and the “inverted hydropower plant PTO”. The HPAS concept (Hydro Power Plant at Sea) is the result of merging these unique subsystems. The patented elongated rectangular float is designed in a way that resembles the shape of a wave. Such design makes it possible for the float to automatically align its elongated face towards the wavefront. This ensures a much larger “active” wetted area of four to ten times more than a typical round buoy. Maintaining proper hydrodynamic properties is of critical importance in designing wave energy converters. In cooperation with some of the best minds in this area, we have undertaken sophisticated numerical models and hydrodynamic simulations which helped us in reaching an optimal design for NoviOcean’s rectangular float. Our other patented subsystem, the inverted hydropower plant PTO (power take-off), combines two of the most robust and well-proven components that have been used in other industries for the past two centuries: a highly efficient water turbine, and a hydraulic cylinder to pump high-pressure water at high velocity towards the turbine. Due to the simplicity of the PTO subsystem, the NoviOcean wave energy converter can easily latch the float in every wave through to utilize enormous lifting forces (up to 400 tons for the NO500 model) in order to achieve extremely high outputs. That is why we are able to use a non-resonant behavior; riding in sync with the waves, with slower speeds and simple controls to achieve extreme power output, as opposed to the more common and much more complex resonant approach.
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
Hydro Turbine
Max Rated Power Capacity
The maximum amount of electricity that can be produced by the device, as rated by the manufacturer.
500 KW
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
TRL Last updated: 19 September 2023
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
1 May 2025
Citation Formats
“NoviOcean WEC.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/NoviOcean_WEC. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "NoviOcean WEC." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/NoviOcean_WEC.
