RTI Wave Power designs for simplicity and cost

Our RTI Wave Power Team was fortunate to complete its 1/50 scale model testing at the new U. of Maine Alfond Wind-Wave (W2) Facility on December 18th giving the team time over the Holidays to enjoy some well-earned relaxation.

While the 1/50 scale modeling, design, build, and test schedule did not afford us the opportunity to test a fully optimized design, we were extremely pleased with our model performance during test week. In early January we started the design of our 1/20 scale model and specifying key components with longer delivery times. We look forward to receiving our test week data set so we can confirm the accuracy of our numerical model and use it to further improve our 1/20 scale model RTI F2 QD.

Our WEC design features the simplicity and low cost of a single elongated wave front parallel surface float (which remains parallel to oncoming wave fronts). The F2 QD moves both upward and rearward on wave crests and forward and downward on ensuing wave troughs (for concurrent multi-mode heave and surge energy capture). Our patented float can be partially seawater flooded (to tune float mass to current wave conditions). It is fully flooded in severe seas allowing the float to rotate on its two swing arms (which are attached to our direct drive generator housed below the water line in our twin vertical spar frame) to the 6 o’clock position safely below wave troughs even in 25 meter seas. Our concave float rear surface, extending into its attached lower shoaling lip extension, protrudes deeply into the water column yet its motion creates no energy robbing “back wave”. This patented configuration provides major performance and cost advantages over other WECs using elongated wave front parallel surface floats (like the Salter Duck, Stingray, and Azura) which require massive costly central cylinders (or circular section floats).