OES Annual Report 2012 - Ocean Energy Systems
OES Annual Report 2012 - Ocean Energy Systems
OES Annual Report 2012 - Ocean Energy Systems
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
66<br />
-off units with a total of 240 kW installed capacity, was named “Lifesaver” and deployed in March <strong>2012</strong>. Sea<br />
trials with electricity production will continue for a full year before the unit is deployed elsewhere.<br />
Statkraft’s Osmotic Power Prototype<br />
The principle of osmotic power is utilizing the entropy of mixing water with different salt gradients. An<br />
osmotic power plant extracts power from salinity gradients by guiding water with low salt gradient and<br />
water with higher salt concentration into separate chambers, divided by a membrane. The salt molecules<br />
pull the water with low salt gradient through the membrane due to osmotic forces, creating a pressure on<br />
the side with higher salt concentration that can drive a turbine.<br />
Statkraft opened the world’s first osmotic power plant in 2009 in Norway. The operation of the plant proves<br />
that power from salinity gradients can supply a stable base load of renewable energy, with a minimal<br />
ecological footprint. The next big milestone is the decision to build a 2 MW pilot plant. Investment decision<br />
is planned for 2013. Furthermore, the goal is to build a full-scale demonstration plant within 2020.<br />
New Developments<br />
STRAUM<br />
STRAUM is a Norwegian technology developer and supplier of wave, tidal and offshore wind power<br />
systems. STRAUM’s business idea is to develop, design and deliver a unique range of marine renewable<br />
power plants together with strategic partners. The STRAUM technologies are all “in-front” and backed by<br />
strong IP portfolios, and include the following power plant systems: Hydra Tidal- tidal & ocean current<br />
power plants, OWC Power- wave power plant and WindSea Floater/WindSea Jacket - floating and<br />
fixed offshore wind power plants.<br />
The Hydra Tidal floating ocean energy system is one of a very few full-scale tidal energy plants built and<br />
deployed in the world. STRAUM is planning to re-deploy the Morild II tidal prototype that at the moment<br />
is at a shipyard for repair and maintenance. The business idea of oscillating water column (OWC) power is<br />
to develop and commercialize a wave power concept based on the OWC principle . For this technology,<br />
STRAUM is currently performing a small scale testing programme both for the wave chamber and the<br />
air turbine. WindSea FloaterTM is a new concept for offshore wind turbine platforms, which consists of<br />
a floating platform supporting three windmills. STRAUM is looking for project financing for a large scale<br />
prototype test to be able to verify the results from small scale testing. The WindSea JacketTM concept<br />
distinguishes itself by cost effective fabrication, transport and installation. The technology is based on a<br />
low weight modularized jacket. Currently STRAUM is talking to end users and EPC contractors to qualify<br />
the technology for commercial offshore wind projects.<br />
STRAUM is owned by Ard, a privately owned and independent industrial investment company with long<br />
traditions in Norwegian industrial development, oil & gas and hydro power. Through its owner STRAUM has<br />
strong ties and alliances to renowned technology provider such as NLI and Rainpower, leading suppliers<br />
to the oil & gas and hydro power markets respectively. In <strong>2012</strong>, STRAUM has been chosen by the Global<br />
Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA) as a Later Stage Award Top 30 finalist for their in front tidal and<br />
hydro power technologies. For further information on STRAUM, please visit www.straumgroup.com<br />
Havkraft AS<br />
Havkraft is a Norwegian technology company specialized in onshore, nearshore and offshore installations<br />
for the utilization of wave energy for wave damping and power production, with both low-tech and hightech<br />
solutions for all markets. The company shareholders are founder and inventor Geir Arne Solheim and<br />
Fjord Invest. Havkraft cooperates amongst others with Dr. Ing. Karl Christian Strømsem. Tests conducted<br />
in <strong>2012</strong> show that the H-WEC (Havkraft Wave <strong>Energy</strong> Converter) is a perfect wave energy converter, with<br />
the potential to capture the complete energy field and to utilize all the natural frequencies in the waves.<br />
This high efficiency combined with a simple construction - with no movable parts in contact with sea - is an<br />
improved and patented OWC device with low OPEX and CAPEX. A large scale test programme has started<br />
in <strong>2012</strong> with support from Innovation Norway and co-investors.<br />
ANNUAL<br />
REPORT <strong>2012</strong>
Change language