Press Release
Control Techniques Inverters Chosen for Aquamarine Power’s
Flagship Technology – The Oyster Marine Energy Generator
The world’s largest and most successful working hydro-electric
wave energy device, known as ‘Oyster’, has, at its heart, a 315kW
high-efficiency grid connected inverter system from Control
Techniques.
Aquamarine Power’s Oyster marine energy generator, sits just off
shore, in Orkney, and comprises a large buoyant steel flap hinged
to a base that sits on the sea bed. As waves roll over the
device, the flap oscillates backwards and forwards, driving two
hydraulic pistons attached to each side. High pressure water
from these two pumping cylinders – clean, salt-free water in an
enclosed system – is pumped ashore, driving a Pelton wheel with
spoon-shaped buckets that harness the energy of the high pressure
water. This is attached to a flywheel (to smooth out
variations), powering a standard induction generator. Control
Techniques inverters take the generated power and provide an
interface with the grid.
Testing of the demonstration scale wave energy device commenced
at NaREC in March last year and it is now installed and working
offshore at Billia Croo near Stromness, in Orkney . The
Oyster was officially turned on in November 2009 to generate power
for the national grid and local homes in Orkney and
beyond.
The more powerful the wave action, potentially the more
electricity that can be generated from such devices, with the
maximum output being in the winter months, coinciding with maximum
demand – it has been estimated that big waves incorporate potential
energy amounting to 200kW per metre!! Long term, marine
energy has the potential to meet up to 20% of the UK’s energy
demands.
Control Techniques was involved in the development at an early
stage, because of its close working relationship with the New and
Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) at Blyth, where the Oyster concept
was under test in their dry dock facility.
Now, Oyster is installed at the European Marine Energy Centre’s
test site in Orkney, where two Control Techniques inverters provide
a clean supply to the grid, with low harmonic
distortion.>>>>>>>>
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