Imagine a giant piston in the ocean that captures wave energy. Instead of using complex oils that can leak, this system uses the seawater itself to push and pull. It uses a smart valve that acts like a shock absorber, adjusting in real-time to grab the most energy possible from every wave without needing extra power to run.
Wave energy is often non-viable due to high levelized costs of energy (LCOE) and the inefficiency of traditional hydraulic power take-off systems in saltwater environments.
A composite linear pump and a controller valve using seawater as the working fluid, along with a condition controller for life-extension.
If you are a WEC manufacturer dealing with high operational costs and low energy capture — this project developed a seawater-based hydraulic pump and controller valve that minimizes the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
If you are an offshore provider dealing with equipment degradation in saltwater — this project developed a condition controller that identifies wear signatures to extend the remaining useful life of components.
If you are a valve producer dealing with the need for mass-producible, seawater-compatible parts — this project developed two generations of controller valves designed for mass production and full lifecycle impact.
The project focuses on a control strategy specifically designed to minimize the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) rather than just maximizing power capture.
The project includes the fabrication of two generations of pumps and valves specifically designed for mass production.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project is coordinated by WAVEPISTON AS.
The technology is calibrated at DTU and validated using the Wavepiston offshore test bench at PLOCAN.
The project runs from 2024-04-01 to 2027-03-31.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 70% of the 10 partners being industrial entities, including 4 SMEs. This strong commercial lean, combined with partners from 7 different countries, suggests a high focus on market viability and manufacturing readiness rather than purely academic research.
Contact WAVEPISTON AS in Denmark for technical specifications on the seawater hydraulic PTO.
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for the dynamic passive controller.
