Friday 10 July 2009

Wave power the way of the future

wynnum-herald.whereilive.com.au
06 Jul 09

THE first off-shore wave power generator was launched at Rivergate Marina and Shipyard at Murarrie by Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson recently. The wave power generator, Nautilus, is a 30m prototype and the result of three years of conceptual development by Ivec managing director Ivan Voropaev.

The initial results show the technology is capable of producing power at 50 per cent of the cost of diesel power generation. Nautilus will be anchored in Moreton Bay for a six- month trial. "With all going well, after the trial the full commercial version could be up to 300m in length and width," Mr Voropaev said. The design is unique in allowing waves to pass underneath the structure, which forces air pockets through a funnel to drive a turbine, which is predicted to be able to support 30-40 homes with power.

Mr Robertson said the device was quick, consistent and had an efficient means of alternative power production. ''The amount of power produced depends on the size of the wave generator and the location,'' he said. Advanced Wave Power, the company developing the generators, has a strong market in the South Pacific Islands which are reliant on diesel generators for power.

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