Cheaper electricity from waves
Dexawave provides a solution to cheap and reliable wave energy from ocean waves.
Denmark is surrounded by oceans of energy. Dexawave has found a cost efficient way of harnessing it off the coast of Hanstholm (Photo: Gerriet / Creative Commons)
It's a simple construction and consists of two rigid pontoons, hinged together in the center, which allows one pontoon to pivot in relation to the other. In between is placed a power takeoff system, based on Aquagear, a low pressure power transmission technology, based on water. The unique technical advantages to the Dexawave wave energy converter are numerous. It can produce electricity at almost the same price level as coal, natural gas, onshore windturbine etc. This is realised by use of low cost materials with long life expectancy, and low maintenance requirement.
Testing
Dexawave is developing a 1:5 scale model for testing offshore Hanstholm as from fall 2010 and ahead. Behind the project is a consortium with Aalborg University, A1 Consult and a number of private owned companies, with individual wave energy competences and ressources.
The overall outcome of the project will be to produce power from a pre-commercial model of a new wave energy converter. The project will provide a detailed assessment of the technology performance in the North Sea wave climate, where it is expected that the electricity generated will have a competitive price as low as 0,06 €/kWh. One of the main results of the project will be the elaboration of important documentation for the design of a full scale model, bringing this technology closer to market. This scale model will also serve as a demonstration platform towards investors and decision makers.
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