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PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/OWEL WEC
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OWEL WEC
With the above criteria in mind, a WEC unit was designed in the general form of a horizontal duct floating such that the freeboard is approximately equal to the amplitude of the ambient waves. A unit has a length equal to the longest wave in which it is intended to operate and this feature, together with a small waterplane area, ensures that a platform formed from multiple units will remain steady in a seaway. The duct in each unit is open at one end, and the mooring system of the platform ensures that this end is presented to the incoming waves. The duct has angled side-plates and an angled bottom-plate or ramp. The air in the trough behind an incoming wave is trapped as the following wave seals against the top of the duct. This air is then compressed by the angled side-plates and delivered to a compression manifold. An air take-off, through a one-way valve, feeds the compressed air to a reservoir. Adjacent to the manifold is a baffle system which disperses the remnant energy in spent waves so that they do not reflect back along the duct to interfere with following waves. The baffle system also creates a reactionary force on the compressed air in the manifold. The air collected in the reservoir may be used to drive a compressed air turbine and thence generate electricity
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
Air Turbine
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
3
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
“OWEL WEC.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/OWEL_WEC. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "OWEL WEC." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/OWEL_WEC.
