| How it works |
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Ocean waves contain enormous quantities of energy. Harnessing this energy is the objective of the Oceanlinx technology. At the heart of the technology are several simple elements: • An Oscillating Water Column; • A Denniss-Auld turbine; • A generator; and control system Oscillating Water ColumnsOscillating Water Columns (OWCs) are simple constructions that act like a piston and cylinder. As the wave rises within the OWC, it replicates the action of a piston, driving a column of air ahead of it and past the turbine. As the wave recedes the opposite effect is experienced. Air is sucked back into the OWC and past the turbine.
To make the energy extraction effective, the cross sectional area of the OWC is narrowed as it approaches the turbine. This serves to accelerate the air so that it reaches its maximum velocity as it passes the turbine.
The Denniss-Auld Turbine Most turbines are designed to function with a gas or liquid flowing in a single direction at a constant throughput. Given the oscillating nature of wave energy, turbines designed for single direction, constant throughput are very ineffective for this application.
Many turbines have been designed over the years in an attempt to overcome this limitation, but with limited success and generally low efficiency. The Denniss-Auld turbine has successfully overcome the limitations. The Denniss-Auld turbine has variable pitch blades that can be controlled, to firstly maintain a constant direction of generator rotation, and secondly to optimise the energy extraction.
The Denniss-Auld turbine is proprietary to Oceanlinx.
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