Oceanlinx

Oceanlinx is a company created in 1997, specialised in renewable energy and especially in ocean energy conversion. Originally named Energetech, it will be renamed Oceanlinx in 2007. The main technology is based on Wave Energy Converter "WEC" which is a device that uses wave energy and converts it into electrical energy. The WEC operating principle are numerous but Oceanlinx technology focuses on the oscillating water column principle. Oceanlinx company was created in Australia and the technology has been developed over the past twenty years. In 2014, Oceanlinx entered receivership before its technology, intellectual property, brand and trademark were sold to Wave Power Renewables Limited in Hong Kong. Since then, Wave Power Renewables Limited as been developping the technology.

History

1990's

2000's

2010's

Oceanlinx technology

The developed waver energy conversion technology uses a bi-directional airflow air turbine, turbine installed on top of an oscillating water column; this turbine concept and others were developed specifically by Oceanlinx to accommodate waver energy conversion technology. The Turbine and generator are the only moving part and sit above the water. The advantage is that fewer the moving parts the better and it means that the turbine is not in direct contact with the sea water.

Oscillating Water Column

Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs) are simple constructions that act like a piston and cylinder. As waves rise within the OWC, it replicates the action of a piston, driving a column of air ahead of it and through the turbine.

Air Turbine

Most turbines are designed to function with a constant flow in a single direction but OWC generates a bi-directionnal flow. Oceanlinx patented turbines can continue to generate electricity regardless of a change of direction under varying flow conditions.

Generator and Transmission System

The system will be matched to the turbine based on the available wave resource. The rated capacity of the generator will vary to best match the environment conditions at the installed location.

[1]

The firm is developing this deep-water technology to generate electricity from, ostensibly, easy-to-predict long-wavelength ocean swell oscillations. Oceanlinx recently began installation of a third and final demonstration-scale, grid-connected unit near Port Kembla, near Sydney, Australia, a 2.5 MWe system that is expected to go online in early 2010, when its power will be connected to the Australian grid. The company's much smaller first-generation prototype unit, in operation since 2006, is now being disassembled.[2]

Important events

Port Kembla

Due to the unforeseen extreme weather condition in May 2010 the MK3 prototype broke free of its moorings. The unit was successfully recovered and connected to the grid to sell electricity to the grid operator. Subsequently the unit was successfully and safely removed in 2010.

Carrickalinga, South Australia

In 2014, The greenWAVE prototype was being towed to Port Macdonnell, where it was intended to generate electricity for onshore use. After being damaged during the towing operation, the prototype end up stranded near Carrickalinga, South Australia. This led the company to enter receivership and prototype was abandoned by the appointed manager where it was stranded.[3]

References

  1. ↑ WPR, WPR (NA). "how it works". Oceanlinx. Retrieved 2017-04-17. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ↑ Adee, Sally (2009-10-21). "This Renewable Energy Source Is Swell". IEEE Spectrum Inside Technology. Retrieved 2009-10-22.
  3. ↑ DEMPSTER, ALICE (2015-04-08). "Carrickalinga eyesore to stay - for now". The Times. Retrieved 2017-03-12.
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