Singapore-based company Hann-Ocean Energy has launched its third-generation Drakoo wave energy device offshore Shengsi archipelago in China.
Installed on January 8, 2022, the 15kW Drakoo wave energy converter has started its one-year sea trial, with the device expected to generate 70,000 kWh of power annually.
The generator is of a cubic modular design, weighing 15 tons. It was independently researched and developed by Hann-Ocean Energy and has been granted national patents in 20 countries, including the USA, UK, Canada and Germany.
Drakoo is able to transform random sea waves into a unidirectional stream of water, through the use of multiple passive one-way valves, such that the hydro turbine continuously turns and creates power, the company claims.
“One of the key strengths of this device is the ability to generate electricity even with a miniscule wave height of 0.3 meters. This ability makes the wave energy converter extremely versatile, being capable of generating power even when deployed in areas with relatively calm waters,” said Henry L. Han , inventor of Drakoo and managing director of Hann-Ocean Energy.
The average energy conversion efficiency from waves to electricity of the third generation Drakoo can reach 30%, with the peak efficiency nearing 45%, as verified by DNV wave tank tests, Hann-Ocean Energy emphasized.
“In the future, we will combine Drakoo with offshore wind power to greatly increase the amount of clean energy output per unit sea surface area,” Henry revealed.
With the Pacific Ocean to the east, Shengsi is particularly rich in wave energy resources and suitable for wave energy applications. Hann-Ocean Energy’s sea trial in Shengsi will be focused on collecting data and testing the converter’s durability to provide data support for future large-scale commercial applications.
According to County Development and Reform Bureau of Shengsi, should the project succeed, it can be promoted and applied at ports, breakwater, and other locations, and become a supplement to the traditional energy sources in remote islands.
The county also plans to collaborate with Hann-Ocean Energy to create a wave energy sea trial base, attracting more clean energy projects, industry association Ocean Energy Europe informed.
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