UK wave developer Marine Power Systems has taken the wraps off two floating wind concepts designed to be installed in deep water locations.
Research and development of its megawatt-scale WaveSub device has led the Swansea outfit to progress two derivative devices, the DualSub (pictured) that captures both wave and wind energy and WindSub that captures only wind energy.
The two floater concepts have undergone prototype stability tests, detailed computational simulation and cost of energy modelling.
Positive results have encouraged the Welsh developer to step up development of WindSub and DualSub to a scaled-up prototype, said MPS chief technical officer Graham Foster.
“Initial tests revealed that WaveSub offered a strong, stable platform on which a turbine could be installed, enabling the simultaneous capture of wave and wind energy from the ocean – essentially the WaveSub can be adapted to be a floating wind turbine and wave energy device in one,” he added.
“We look forward to further developing our offshore wind technologies alongside our WaveSub device during 2019.”
