Technology Developer
PRIMRE/Databases/Projects Database/Devices/Pelamis P1
From Open Energy Information
< PRIMRE | Databases | Projects Database | Devices
Pelamis P1
The device consists of a series of semi-submerged cylindrical sections linked by hinged joints. As waves pass along the length of the machine, the sections move relative to one another. The wave-induced motion of the sections is resisted by hydraulic cylinders at the joints which pump high pressure oil through hydraulic motors via smoothing hydraulic accumulators. In turn, the hydraulic motors drive electrical generators to produce electricity. Electricity from all the joints is fed down a single umbilical cable to a junction on the sea bed. Several devices can be connected and linked to shore through a single seabed cable. The machine responds to the curvature of the waves (their shape) rather than the wave height. As waves can only reach a certain curvature before naturally breaking, this limits the range of motion through which the machine must move but maintains large motion at the joints in small waves.
The P1 became the world’s first offshore wave power converter to successfully generate electricity into a national grid. The device was 120m long, 3.5m in diameter and comprised four tube sections.
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
Max Rated Power Capacity
The maximum amount of electricity that can be produced by the device, as rated by the manufacturer.
750 KW
Surface ExpressionTrue
Estimated TRL
Estimated Technology Readiness Level scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology
6
Energy Resource
- Wave
Water Column Position
Surface
--------------------------------------------
Submerged - Mid
Entire Water Column
--------------------------------------------
Submerged - Bottom
Test Sites where Pelamis P1 was tested
Filters:
Citation Formats
“Pelamis P1.” Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices, PRIMRE, United States Department of Energy, https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Pelamis_P1. Accessed <day> <monthRoman> <year>.
Marine Energy Projects Database: Devices. <year>. "Pelamis P1." Accessed <monthRoman> <day>, <year>. https://openei.org/wiki/PRIMRE/Databases/Projects_Database/Devices/Pelamis_P1.
Last modified: 2 May 2025