blueWAVE
Oceanlinx has also a developed a specific deep water oscillating water column (OWC) application, termed blueWAVE (for more on how an OWC works, please see the Our Technology page). This structure comprises a cluster of six floating OWCs, joined together via a space-frame. The blueWAVE is located in 40 - 80 metres of water depth, and is an anchored floating device. While the structure can technically be made from any material, it is generally fabricated from steel.
The method of anchoring the floating structure to the bottom of the ocean is dependent on the geotechnical nature of the seabed. Gravity, drag, and suction anchors are typical candidates for this task.
Each blueWAVE is floated to its deployment site, where the task of securing the anchoring system takes place. The distance from shore will depend on the seabed slope, and how rapidly the nominal 40 – 80 metres of water depth is achieved.
Besides what lies below the waterline, each of the six OWCs 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 blueWAVE technology differs from greenWAVE in several key areas. Besides being a floating structure in deeper water, its six OWC chambers results in it being bigger than greenWAVE. It is also typically constructed from steel, as opposed to greenWAVE’s concrete.
The electrical output of a blueWAVE unit is dependent on the local wave climate. In a good climate, a single blueWAVE device would be rated at 2.5 MW or more. The unit can be dedicated to the production of electricity, desalinated seawater, or both.
