August 2011
The Oyster 800, a next-generation hydro-electric wave energy converter has been unveiled by its developer Aquamarine Power at a ceremony at Burntisland Fabrications' yard in Fife, Scotland.
The innovative wave energy converter was produced by Aquamarine Power Ltd and incorporates leading edge engineering technology.
Halcrow worked as principal engineering consultant on the detailed design of the structure of the device.
Oyster 800 operates in the same way as its predecessor Oyster 1, but uses data and lessons learned from the first Oyster to significantly improve its power output, simplify installation and allow easier routine maintenance.
The shape of the Oyster has been modified and the device has been made wider to enable it to capture more wave energy. It is now mounted on two seabed piles, rather than four to simplify installation. Oyster 800 has also been designed to make maintenance and operations easier and more cost effective. Halcrow played a key role in developing and implementing a number of these changes.
Oyster 800 will be the first of three devices to be installed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), with further Oysters to be deployed in 2012 and 2013. All three Oysters will be linked to an onshore hydro-electric plant to form a 2.4MW array.
Aquamarine Power’s 2nd generation Oyster devices are part of the company’s strategy to deliver radically improved energy capture, performance and reliability.
Halcrow was responsible for the design of the primary structure which includes the flap, base frame and piled foundations. Halcrow was also responsible for the design and detailing of a number of mechanical assemblies, including the ballast and latching systems.
Halcrow brought together a variety of specialist skills and expertise to undertake the design and detailing of this unique wave energy device, which included:
- Design of a dynamic structure for use in a high energy, near-shore environment
- Structural detailing of fatigue sensitive structures
- Design of large diameter sub-sea piled foundations
- Detailing of large high-precision castings
- Specification of corrosion protection coatings and systems
The proactive approach employed by Halcrow’s design team enabled them to adapt to the changing demands associated with developing the design of this innovative structure. The flexible approach adopted facilitated undertaking significant additional works whilst maintaining the project timescales.
Oyster 800 is now en route from the Firth of Forth to EMEC in Orkney for installation later this year.
The Oyster 800, a next-generation hydro-electric wave energy converter has been unveiled by its developer Aquamarine Power at a ceremony at Burntisland Fabrications' yard in Fife, Scotland.
The innovative wave energy converter was produced by Aquamarine Power Ltd and incorporates leading edge engineering technology.
Halcrow worked as principal engineering consultant on the detailed design of the structure of the device.
Oyster 800 operates in the same way as its predecessor Oyster 1, but uses data and lessons learned from the first Oyster to significantly improve its power output, simplify installation and allow easier routine maintenance.
The shape of the Oyster has been modified and the device has been made wider to enable it to capture more wave energy. It is now mounted on two seabed piles, rather than four to simplify installation. Oyster 800 has also been designed to make maintenance and operations easier and more cost effective. Halcrow played a key role in developing and implementing a number of these changes.
Oyster 800 will be the first of three devices to be installed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC), with further Oysters to be deployed in 2012 and 2013. All three Oysters will be linked to an onshore hydro-electric plant to form a 2.4MW array.
Aquamarine Power’s 2nd generation Oyster devices are part of the company’s strategy to deliver radically improved energy capture, performance and reliability.
Halcrow was responsible for the design of the primary structure which includes the flap, base frame and piled foundations. Halcrow was also responsible for the design and detailing of a number of mechanical assemblies, including the ballast and latching systems.
Halcrow brought together a variety of specialist skills and expertise to undertake the design and detailing of this unique wave energy device, which included:
Ÿ Design of a dynamic structure for use in a high energy, near-shore environment
Ÿ Structural detailing of fatigue sensitive structures
Ÿ Design of large diameter sub-sea piled foundations
Ÿ Detailing of large high-precision castings
Ÿ Specification of corrosion protection coatings and systems
The proactive approach employed by Halcrow’s design team enabled them to adapt to the changing demands associated with developing the design of this innovative structure. The flexible approach adopted facilitated undertaking significant additional works whilst maintaining the project timescales.
Oyster 800 is now en route from the Firth of Forth to EMEC in Orkney for installation later this year.