BioPower Systems (BPS), an Australian wave energy developer, is preparing its bioWAVE wave energy device for commissioning expected to take place during the second half of 2016.
BPS installed bioWAVE unit off Port Fairy, Australia, in December 2015. Following the installation, the company started diving operations to prepare the device for commissioning.
Timothy Finnigan , CEO of BPS, said: “We are continuing to prepare the bioWAVE facility for commissioning. Our access to the site has been limited recently due to prevailing weather conditions. Winter is approaching in Australia, which may further slow our progress. We now expect to commission the plant during the second half of 2016.”
The 250 kW pilot bioWAVE unit design was inspired by undersea plants. It is a 26 m tall oscillating structure designed to sway back-and-forth beneath the ocean swell.
This oscillating motion activates opposing hydraulic cylinders, and the pressurised hydraulic fluid spins a 250 kW generator to produce electricity, which is then fed into the grid via an undersea cable.
bioWAVE demonstration device off Port Fairy is expected to operate for a 12-month period before being decommissioned.
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