A wave energy device which can be attached to wind turbines has passed a series of tests, according to developer Green Ocean Energy.
The company claims that their Wave Treader device passed proof of concept tests and they will now have a prototype ready for 2010.
Wave Treader consists of two flaps connected to the base of the turbine mast with floats at their end. As the waves rise and fall, the flaps pivot on hinges and their movement puts pressure on a liquid, which runs hydraulic motors and then spins electric generators.
Because the device simply attaches to wind turbines it can use existing infrastructure, significantly reducing the cost of setting them up.
The company claims that it could have a 500 kilowatt product ready for commercialisation in 2011.
We already have two offshore wind farms, one at Blyth and one at Scroby Sands.
We are also a joint venture partner in the London Array, the world’s largest offshore wind farm.
