Tuesday, March 26, 2024

SWEL’s Waveline Magnet concept can convert wave power into electricity

For more than 10 years, Sea wave energy limited (SWEL), an R&D company based in Cyprus & the UK, has been developing a unique spine-like floating device that harnesses the energy of waves and converts it into electricity. The wave energy converter (WEC) – dubbed the “Wave Line Magnet” – offers affordable, low maintenance, and climate-friendly alternative to traditional technologies.

Earlier this year, the company unveiled a concept design simulating the mechanism of its latest Waveline Magnet model. SWEL has developed and tested its devices in wave tanks and live sea environments. The R&D indicates that even in its current development state, the Waveline Magnet can produce substantial power levels at an exceptionally low cost, competing even with non-renewable sources.

The Waveline Magnet is comprised of an array of floating platforms linked via a spine-like central power system, creating a flexible and modular device that seamlessly follows wave movement. Such a unique interaction with waves allows SWEL to regulate how much energy is extracted from the wave in a controlled and non-disruptive manner. The seamless and frictionless interaction is a unique characteristic of the technology that allows it to work in harmony and in synchronization with the deployed sea area, irrespective of the wave profile and the weather conditions.

The company’s technology is a robust and durable WEC that can supply substantial power on demand at a low cost, with minimal maintenance, and can be deployed in any wave environment. Due to the low mass of materials used, such as plastics and reinforced plastics, the Waveline Magnet has an inherently low cost of manufacture.

In addition, the simplistic modular design of the Waveline Magnet has the added advantage of being easily repaired, maintained, produced, and transported. As the bulk of the device can be produced from recycled materials, it will not contribute to the growing problem of material waste like solar panels or wind turbines.

SWEL claims that a single Waveline Magnet device will be rated at over 100MW under the right conditions and forces (i.e., Neutral Displacement Theory). Its in-field testing also suggests that the bigger the wave power, the more energy can be harnessed. A Raw mechanical power output down to 1p/kWh crushing the wave industry reference value, putting the technology in its full capability on par with fossil fuels, the company says.

The next step for SWEL is commercializing its technology and sending it out for mass production.