Aquamarine Power's oysters are rather large scale and massive devices that utilise the transverse movements of waves and surges through channels. It looks as if they need to be deployed in a specific depth of water whereas the CETO actuator-buoy can have its arm length adjusted to suit.
All the scores of wave energy devices and ideas that exist can generally be classified in about seven groups. Despite its 7m dia CETO is classified as a point absorber in extracting energy from the vertical motion of the wave. These point absorbers are lined up in rows so that the amplitude of the wave decreases after each row is passed.
The key figures that would be really exciting to know so that the different generating systems can be compared is,
a) The efficiency of energy extraction from the wave by the device, i.e. proportion of energy per metre length of wave crest.
b) The efficiency of the electricity conversion stage. For CETO this will include the impedance to fluid flow in the pressure lines. [Or else could include to part a).] The overall efficiency is then a x b.
c) The comparative cost of construction/ installation per MW for all the devices.
These figures will be jealously guarded by each developer as they try to out promote one another. It is important to have these discussions in order to know that there is competition for CETO and that the other ideas are not really that silly.
Juke
CWE Price at posting:
24.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
