Our Technology
Oceanlinx’s core patented technology is an Oscillating Water Column (OWC) device, based on the established science of wave energy, but one which – when compared to other OWC technologies – offers major improvements in the design of the system, the turbine, and in construction technique.
The company’s key strengths are:
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Turbine Technology:
The patented airWAVE turbine: developed by Oceanlinx, this turbine is revolutionary in being significantly more efficient at converting the energy in the OWC airflow into electricity. An extension and refinement of the Denniss-Auld, the turbine overcomes the endemic problems of turbine stall associated with the bi-directional airflow of OWC systems. The unique characteristic of this turbine is its ability to rotate in the same direction, irrespective of the reversing direction of the air flow. -
Technology Maturity:
Oceanlinx is one out of only two wave technology developers with full-scale devices that have been deployed to convert the energy in ocean waves into electricity (source: Emerging Energy Research, 2009) -
Simplicity:
The Oceanlinx units, greenWAVE and blueWAVE, have only one principle moving part, the airWAVE turbine, which is located above water. All technical equipment operates above the water, thereby improving reliability and providing easy access for maintenance and repair. -
Product Diversity:
Oceanlinx is the only company in the wave energy field with products spanning shallow and deep water. Oceanlinx has a product for virtually any depth of water. In addition, Oceanlinx units are capable of producing either clean energy or potable desalinated water, driven by the airWAVE turbine. -
Generic Components:
The power generation and desalination units are simple and cost-effective, with the majority of the electrical and mechanical parts being “off the shelf” items. -
Proven Design:
The technology has been successfully constructed and tested since 2005, with the first full scale Oceanlinx wave plant installed at Port Kembla in NSW, Australia. -
Robust:
The latest greenWAVE and blueWAVE designs are built to deliver 25 years continuous operation and to withstand 1 in 100 year storms, yet can be fabricated in most local workshop facilities.