Wavepod a transmission for wave energy converters - set-up and testing

Marine wave energy is expected to play a significant role in future energy production. A range of converter types has been proposed, some of which have been tested, but none have achieved economic feasibility yet. Partly this is due to transmissions, which are too expensive, not reliable enough or too poor in terms of efficiency. A new system has been developed by a consortium consisting of Bosch Rexroth, Aquamarine Power and the Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Controls (IFAS) of RWTH Aachen University. The consortium aims to solve these problems by developing an off the-shelf standardised hydraulic transmission or power-take-off. It is called WavePOD. WavePOD provides improved flexibility for adjusting to different wave conditions without requiring customised components or fast control response times. An 8% scaled power test rig was built and commissioned for operation at IFAS in November 2014. In the first step multiple tests will be carried out to show proof of concept, efficiency and reliability until end of March 2015. In this paper basic criteria for the design of WavePOD will be explained, leading to an explanation of the system. The test rig will then be presented together with intended tests and first results.