This is quite something. A clean energy Co. from Scotland has generated power for the first time testing it’s prototype wave machine.

Mocean Energy commented that the wider prospect of generating clean power from sea waves moved a step closer as their aptly named Blue X prototype was trialled for wave energy production by the EMEC (European Marine Energy Centre) in Orkney.

The Blue X machine weighs in at over 38 tonnes and is 20 meters long. It uses a 4G connection and operate wirelessly as a standalone operation. The 4G connection also enable commands and programmable data to be sent from the shore.

The machine had to be towed from Kirkwall to EMEC’s Scapa Flow testing grounds where it was moored and commissioned for preliminary sea trials successfully.

Wave Energy Promise Allows For Further Testing

During this summer the Blue X platform will be relocated to EMEC’s sophisticated grid connected test site located at Billia Croo just west of Orkney. Here it will be exposed to more harsh sea conditions and undergo more rigorous testing.

The moment was described as “an exciting milestone” by Cameron McNatt, Managing Director, Mocean Energy.

The Blue X rig was able to generate its first readable amount of power and went on through the weekend to fully charge its battery cells.

Moving on to the second phase in Scape will mean comprehensive testing of the units power production capabilities whilst comparing these results to the company’s own numerical forecasts.

Processes like towing, installation and removal will also be tested during this ‘at sea’ phase.

Wave Machine Technology For Offshore Operations

The technology used in the development of Blue X is ideally suited to offshore operations, directly impacting and contributing to companies net zero goals.

In the longer term it is thinking that ‘grid type’ set ups of these machines will be able to tap oceans more effectively to generate clean energy.

Looking forward to 2022 the wave pioneers at Mocean Energy plan to hook Blue X up to a subsea battery in order to power a remotely operated underwater vehicle. This has potentially big implications for the technology use to power sea faring devices used offshore.

Wave Energy Scotland is supporting the deployment and demonstration as well as the wider testing programme with a £3.3 million investment through their novel wave energy converter programme.

Blue X was fabricated by Fife based co. AJS production and painted with VCI corrosion coating by Rybay Corrosion Services.

 

Read the full article at: www.heraldscotland.com