SWWCB Teams develops 1:20 scale model

The Super Watt Wave Catcher Barge team has continued to made good progress with the following accomplishments since its last progress report:

• As a result of the model test, the Team removed the hull’s stern rake which increased the flat bottom area of the barge by about 6% with only a small increase in the barge’s weight. This additional stern flat bottom area will increase the wave lift forces on the stern and the power output of the stern generators to better match the bow generators’ power output.

• The Team updated the design of the mechanical equipment which resulted in a significant weight savings. Further equipment weight reductions are underway.

• The Team submitted its 1-20th_Build_Plan_Template on January 29th as required by the Wave Energy Prize which included: 1/20th Scale Model Drawings in PDF and DXF format, updated installed costs, updated weights based on design changes, a demonstration video of the flywheel and recoil spring combination, a demonstration video showing the power of a recoil spring in pull back cars and complete CAD Models of the entire barge and its equipment.

• The Team responded to DOE questions on its Newsletter.

• The Team confirmed SWWCBT RST for TG2 with the Wave Energy Prize.

• The Team has added Bridon International Ltd, Asian Star Anchor Chain Co., Ltd. and Orbital Traction.

• The Team hopes to add ATI Integration, who are specialist in mechanical model building.

• The Team hopes to soon add a mechanical engineering consultant who has been recommended who specializes in flywheel and recoil spring design. He will help us size the recoil spring and flywheel for optimum temporary torque storage, optimum weight and minimum costs.

• Thanks to the 1/20th model scale, the Team is working on the design of the very light uni-directional pulley and a light recoil spring/flywheel combination based on readily available off-the-shelf mechanical components.

• The Team will be sending formal requests for quotes out to potential hull and enclosure model builders with the updated 1/20th Scale Model drawings, weights, specs and scope of work. (One possible model builder
has already seen the model and confirmed he can build the model in 6 to 10 weeks depending on his work load at the time and has provided a rough cost estimate.)

• The Team will soon be sending inquiries out to potential barge model mechanical equipment detailed designers and fabricators for material procurement, fabrication and transportation of the mechanical equipment base on the new off-the-shelf component supply design concept.

• The Team will soon be preparing a model testing plan and meeting agenda for an early kickoff meeting with MASK Model Basin personnel.