Telescoping can” wave energy device beats test predictions by 20%

Scotland’s AWS Energy has reported results some 20% better than predicted for its Archimedes Waveswing, a prototype wave energy generator that’s been undergoing ocean-based testing at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney for the last six months.

The Waveswing is a cylindrical metal buoy that’s tethered to a single point on the ocean floor. In operation, it stays beneath the surface and responds to water pressure changes. As a wave passes overhead, the pressure increase pushes down on the top “floater” section of the device, sliding it downward relative to the lower “silo” section, with a rolling seal ensuring no water gets in.

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