greenWAVE
Oceanlinx has a developed a specific shallow water oscillating water column (OWC) application, termed greenWAVE (for more on how an OWC works, please see the Our Technology page). This OWC is located in about ten metres of water depth, and is mounted on the seabed. While the structure can technically be fabricated from any material, it is generally made from steel or concrete.
The method of fixing the structure to the bottom of the ocean is dependent on the geotechnical nature of the seabed.
Each greenWAVE is initially sealed, resulting in a buoyant structure. It is floated to its deployment site, where the buoyant seal is removed, and the greenWAVE is sunk to it resting position. The distance from shore will depend on the seabed slope, and how rapidly the nominal ten metres of water depth is achieved.
Besides what lies below the waterline, the structure also extends several metres above sea level. The above sea level component of the structure is where the airWAVE turbine and electrical control systems are housed. The airWAVE turbine is the only moving part of the technology, and is located well above the waterline.
The Oceanlinx greenWAVE technology differs from blueWAVE in several key areas. Besides being fixed to the seabed, it is smaller and in shallower water. It is also typically constructed from concrete, as opposed to blueWAVE’s steel. The biggest differentiator, however, is that greenWAVE involves a single OWC, whereas blueWAVE is a cluster of six OWCs.
The electrical output of a greenWAVE unit is dependent on the local wave climate. In a very good climate, a single 20 metre wide greenWAVE device would be rated at 1 MW or more. The unit can be dedicated to the production of electricity, desalinated seawater, or both.
