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Wave Energy Converter
FDN aims to create an offshore farm, which would effectively combine generation of electrical energy obtained both from the classical renewable sources (wind, sun) and the wave energy. In order to reach this goal, FDN developed a Wave Energy Converter, which is capable of producing effectively, a large amount of energy from the sea waves. This energy converter, attached to a floating device, can be also combined with existing wind mill or solar off-shore farms, using the same grid connection.
Why Wave Energy?
•Power Density → Smaller footprints than other renewable energy systems
•Constant Source → Waves 24 hours a day
•Proximity to Energy Consumers → No long energy transmissions
•Demand Matching → Larger waves in the areas with largest demand for electricity
•Other Attributes → No hazardous emissions, no greenhouse gasses, no acid rain
Why FDN Converter ?
•Patented and proved technology
•100% Green energy
•No environmental impact
•High efficiency
•Low maintenance
•Scalability
•Short payback period
What is Wave Energy Converter?
The core of the converter is represented by a gear system oscillating along a special rack stripe. The up-and-down movement is caused by periodical sea waves and the additional weight of the device. Hence, the movement is based on gravity and changeable water level. The gear system consists of number of special rollers, which convert its mechanical (kinetic) energy through the permanent magnetic alternator into electrical energy. With this configuration, the system can generate 45-198 kW.
Video with testing of 1500kW prototype:
Real testing of the converter (left) and Illustration of the core of the device with rollers(right).
The main advantages of FDN converter
•Prime conversion efficiency of 86%
•Generation of 45 – 198kW (in this configuration)
•Scaleable & modular
•Easy to manufacture
•High mass to power output ratio
•Utilises the energy of both ocean swelland gravity
Applications
The wave convertors can be placed on any type of floating structure, which is massive enough to create satisfactorily large energy disturbances on its surface. The possible applications are described in the figures bellow.
Wave energy convertor fixed on a break water structure protecting a marina against large waves coming from the open sea.
Offshore Farms
Variant 1: Solar & Wave energy farm
Illustration of solar&wave energy farm. A massive floating concrete structure enables placing photovoltaic panels on a special pattern of steel wires inside the main concrete body. The wave energy devices would be then fixed on the outer walls of the concrete structure.
Variant 2: Wind & Wave energy farm
Illustration of wind&wave energy farm. This variant operates with existing wind farms and its grid connection. The wave energy convertor works as standalone unit (as a buoy), which is connected by power cable to the grid of the farm.
Variant 3: Solar & Wind & Wave energy farm
Illustration of solar&wind&wave energy farm. All three ways of energy generation can be combined together by a new structural system. The concrete structure from variant 1 is assumed to be fixed to the wind mill tower. The wave converters would be placed in the same manner as in variant 1.
Objectives and Mission
The initial project plan aims to find investors for the development and demonstration of one working device in 1:10 scale, creating 820kW. The final goal is to have a device, which is capable to generate 8,2 MW of electricity and reduce 23.500 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year.
The mission of FDN is to strengthen position on the market with innovations and become an important player on the global market with renewable technologies. In order to reach these goals, FDN needs to demonstrate the effectiveness of a floating 8,2 MW solar & wave farm. Two phases are expected to come before the whole farm is built.
STEP 1
Demonstration of the technical feasibility and cost effectiveness of one 1:10 scale model.
•Capacity: 0,82 MW (820 kW);
•Funding: 2 millions €;
•Payback period: 2 years;
STEP 2
Construction of full-scale prototype (8MW) of the floating energy device.
•Energy production: 8.2 MW;
•Construction costs: 30 millions €;
•Payback period: 3.2 years;
After the Floating Device is successfully tested, it will be patented, published and marketed.
Payback Comparison
Specific energy costs for different energy type and technology:
