WaveBoost · Project

Braking System That Makes Wave Energy Devices More Reliable and 25% More Productive

energyTestedTRL 5

Imagine a buoy bobbing on ocean waves to generate electricity. The problem is, big storm waves can slam the moving parts to their limits like a car hitting a wall — destroying expensive equipment. WaveBoost built a clever braking system that catches that excess energy instead of wasting it, stores it briefly, then feeds it back into the generator during calmer moments. Think of it like regenerative braking in an electric car, but for ocean wave machines — it protects the device AND squeezes out more electricity from the same waves.

By the numbers

25%

Increase in Annual Electricity Production (AEP)

30%

Reduction in Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)

EUR 3,988,744

EU contribution to the project

Consortium partners across 3 countries

Total project deliverables produced

The business problem

What needed solving

Wave energy converters face a brutal reliability problem: storm waves generate forces several times larger than normal operating loads, destroying expensive power-take-off components and causing costly downtime. This 'end-stop' problem — where moving parts slam to their mechanical limits — is the single biggest barrier preventing wave energy from scaling to commercial viability. Developers need a way to survive extreme seas without oversizing (and overpaying for) their entire drivetrain.

The solution

What was built

The project developed and validated a Cyclic Energy Recovery System (CERS) braking module — a hardware system that captures excess mechanical energy during extreme wave cycles, stores it temporarily, and releases it for electricity conversion during calmer periods. A physical reliability test rig was commissioned and used to validate the technology, along with dedicated reliability assessment methods. In total, 21 deliverables were produced.

Audience

Who needs this

Wave energy converter manufacturers developing point absorber devicesOffshore renewable energy companies evaluating wave energy investmentsMarine energy PTO (power-take-off) component suppliersUtility companies building ocean energy portfoliosGovernment agencies and development banks funding marine energy projects

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Ocean Energy Development

SME

Target: Wave energy converter manufacturers and developers

If you are a wave energy developer struggling with device failures in storm conditions — this project developed a Cyclic Energy Recovery System (CERS) braking module that reduces shock loads on wave energy converters, increases annual electricity production by 25%, and cuts the cost of energy by more than 30%. The technology was validated on a physical test rig and designed for integration into point absorber WECs.

Offshore Renewable Energy

enterprise

Target: Offshore wind and marine energy operators diversifying into wave power

If you are an offshore energy operator evaluating wave energy investments but concerned about reliability and grid compliance — this project demonstrated a braking module that significantly improves device survivability in extreme sea states while producing grid-compliant electricity through built-in energy storage. The system allows smaller, cheaper power-take-off units for the same power rating.

Power-Take-Off Component Manufacturing

mid-size

Target: Manufacturers of hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical PTO systems for marine energy

If you are a PTO component supplier facing customer demands for longer-lasting, more efficient marine energy drivetrains — this project validated a CERS module that enables PTO size reduction for the same power output while dramatically reducing peak mechanical loads. The technology draws on proven concepts from the automotive sector adapted for ocean conditions.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to integrate this braking module into our wave energy device?

The project does not publish per-unit costs for the CERS module. The total EU research budget was EUR 3,988,744 across 9 partners. For licensing or integration pricing, you would need to contact the coordinator CorPower Ocean AB directly.

Can this technology scale to commercial wave farms?

The CERS module was designed for point absorbers, which the project identifies as the WEC type with best prospects for large-scale development. The technology enables PTO size reduction for the same power rating, which supports scaling. However, the project validated the system on a test rig, not yet at full commercial array scale.

Who owns the IP and can we license this technology?

The project was coordinated by CorPower Ocean AB, a Swedish SME. As the lead developer of the CERS braking module built on their existing platform, they are the most likely IP holder. Licensing discussions would need to go through CorPower Ocean.

How does this affect grid connection and compliance?

The CERS module includes energy storage that smooths power output — temporarily storing excess energy from high-energy wave cycles and releasing it during calmer periods. According to the project objectives, this significantly improves grid compliance of the electricity produced.

What reliability improvements were actually demonstrated?

The project built and commissioned a dedicated reliability test rig. The CERS module is designed to solve the 'end-stop' problem — uncontrolled forces when linear movement reaches its stroke limit — which is a central reliability challenge for point absorber WECs. Dedicated reliability assessment methods were also developed and applied.

Is this only for CorPower devices or can it work with other WEC types?

While built and tested on the CorPower platform, the project explicitly states that the CERS braking module can be integrated in many types of Wave Energy Converters. It is especially suited for point absorber designs, which represent the largest segment of WEC development globally.

What is the project timeline and current status?

WaveBoost ran from November 2016 to October 2019 and is now closed. The technology was validated during this period. CorPower Ocean has continued developing their wave energy technology since the project ended, so the current state of the CERS module may have advanced beyond what was demonstrated in the project.

Consortium

Who built it

The WaveBoost consortium brought together 9 partners from Portugal, Sweden, and the UK — three countries with strong ocean energy coastlines and policy support. The project was led by CorPower Ocean AB, a Swedish SME that is one of Europe's most active wave energy developers, giving the results a clear commercial pathway. With 3 SMEs in the consortium and 2 industrial partners alongside 2 research organizations and 1 university, the mix leaned toward applied development rather than pure research. The 22% industry ratio is modest, but the coordinator being an SME device developer means the technology was built for real-world use from the start.

CORPOWER OCEAN ABCoordinator · SE
RISE RESEARCH INSTITUTES OF SWEDEN ABparticipant · SE
WAVEC/OFFSHORE RENEWABLES - CENTRO DE ENERGIA OFFSHORE ASSOCIACAOparticipant · PT
THE EUROPEAN MARINE ENERGY CENTRE LIMITEDparticipant · UK
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGHparticipant · UK
EDP INOVACAO SAparticipant · PT

How to reach the team

CorPower Ocean AB is a Swedish SME — their team can be reached through their company website. SciTransfer can facilitate an introduction.

Order a report on this consortium See CORPOWER OCEAN AB profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how the CERS braking module could fit your wave energy device or marine energy portfolio? SciTransfer can connect you with the CorPower Ocean team and prepare a tailored technical brief.

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