Wave energy converter successfully launched in Australia

The M4 wave energy converter, developed by Professor Peter Stansby at The University of Manchester, has been successfully launched in Albany, Australia. The device is designed to harness the power of ocean waves to generate electricity, and the project represents a significant step forward for renewable energy technology.

The Albany M4 project, led by Professor Christophe Gaudin and Dr. Hugh Wolgamot, and coordinated by Dr. Wiebke Eberling of the University of Western Australia, aims to explore the potential of wave energy to support local decarbonization efforts along Australia's Great Southern coast. The launch is a quarter-scale demonstration model designed specifically for this application and will absorb 1-10kW in the target sea-states. Sensors on the model will provide real-time data on energy production and performance.

The M4 project is fully open-access, with all data collected during the device's deployment being made available to scientists, developers, and the public. By making the performance data accessible to all, the project aims to drive further innovation in renewable energy.

The M4, or Moored Multi-Mode Multibody, is an innovative surface-riding wave energy converter consisting of multiple floats, connected by beams, in a 1-2-1 float arrangement for the Albany tests. The middle floats each support a hinge, and the relative rotation between the bow and stern floats, due to the movement of the waves, creates power in a generator. It uses a single mooring point that allows the M4 to naturally turn and face the waves for better energy capture.

The M4 highlights Manchester's role in renewable energy innovation. British Maritime Technology (BMT) was responsible for the structural and mooring design for Albany, while the power take-off (PTO) design was led by Dr. Judith Apsley from The University of Manchester's Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and further developed with the support of Dr. Nuwantha Fernando at RMIT University, Melbourne.

"The M4 wave energy concept has been in development for over a decade, and these ocean trials represent a significant step towards full-scale Megawatt systems. This progress has been made possible thanks to the support of many colleagues at The University of Manchester, our partners, and importantly now the University of Western Australia," said Professor Peter Stansby.

The University of Manchester's Hydrodynamics Lab played a key role in the development of the M4. Located in the heart of Manchester, this state-of-the-art facility allows researchers to simulate ocean conditions and test renewable energy designs.

Professor Peter Stansby highlighted its importance, stating, "The Hydrodynamics Lab is vital for advancing renewable energy research. While computational modeling provides valuable predictions, experimental validation is essential for understanding and optimizing complex systems."

Provided by University of Manchester