The Oyster Water Power

Written by Sabrina Deparine

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 10:55

Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 February 2010 12:52

Page views: 189

The Oyster powers up the world’s wave energy industry!

The Oyster is the largest and only hydroelectric wave energy device in the world. This project is a collaboration between Queen’s University in Belfast, North Ireland and Aquamarine Power Limited. It was launched by Alex Salmond, the Scottish first minister, at the European Marine Energy Center in Orkney, Scotland.

The Oyster is a mechanical-hinged flap connected to the seabed (see Figure 1 below). The flap moves as a wave passes, causing a corresponding movement in the hydraulic pistons. The hydraulic pistons will deliver high pressure on a pipeline connected to an onshore electrical turbine.

The electricity generated from the Oyster is transmitted directly to the national power grid. It will be used to provide alternative power sources to Orkney and several other areas. Based on the tests and estimates made, approximately 20 Oysters can provide enough electricity to power 9,000 three-bedroom homes.

The completion and launching of the Oyster is an indication that sustainable alternatives from hydropower or wave energy are feasible even on a large or commercial scale.

Figure 1: The Oyster
(Reproduced from Ecoseed)