Stonehenge Metals has completed the functional ocean based testing of the fully assembled Protean wave energy converter.
The testing showed that the Protean WEC functioned as anticipated and that it was responsive to wave motion even in very low wave height conditions, according to Stonehenge.
Fabrication preparations of the 30 Protean WEC buoys for the planned pre-commercial demonstration wave farm have commenced.
The functional ocean based testing program was conducted at Coogee Beach, Western Australia, at approximately 2.5 m of water depth, utilizing only readily available equipment and personnel.
The full assembly of the single proof of commercial applicability device that was tested included beach launching equipment, Protean mooring, counterweights, buoy and energy conversion mechanism.
Bruce Lane , Stonehenge MD, said: “This is a pivotal moment for the company and we are excited to have now exercised our option to acquire the Protean IP. It is very pleasing to be in a position to commence building the 30 buoy demonstration wave farm so quickly.”
Following the conclusion of the testing program, Stonehenge formalized its intention to complete the acquisition of 100% of the Protean intellectual property by exercising its rights under the option agreement between the company and Protean Energy Ltd.
In addition, Stonehenge announced that the company has secured $800.000 that will be used to fund continuing operations.
Image: Protean Wave Energy