A 1:20 scale model of Seacap was successfully tested at the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) wave tank facility at Val de Reuil (Normandy).
Seacap was tested in a variety of regular and irregular sea state conditions replicating conditions found on the Atlantic coast of France. Preliminary results indicate that power output is in line with numerical simulations.
Seacap is a patented wave energy converter design promoted by Hydrocap Energy, a start-up company founded by experienced offshore Oil & Gas executives. Seacap is a point-absorber wave device, using fixed multi-pillar platforms and a hydraulic system to harness the vertical movements of waves. For the purpose of industrial validation, the prototype will comprise a single pillar.
Innosea, a spin-off from Ecole Centrale de Nantes specialised in marine renewable energy, advised Hydrocap on scoping, execution of the wave tank tests and their subsequent independent analysis.
Hydrocap welcomes interested parties for the stages of the development of Seacap, which will include larger scale model incorporating an innovative power recovery enhancing mechanism.
[mappress]
Press release, October 17, 2013; Image: neuf