A combined wave and wind power plant being created by Danish firm Floating Power Plant (FPP) has been installed at sea for testing.
The unit, Poseidon P37, will be tested in Onsevig Harbor, at the north coast of Lolland, Denmark, before being taken out to sea.
FPP says the test, phase 3, “represents nothing less than a world premiere”.
“For the first time ever, a hybrid energy device will deliver power to the grid from wind and waves,” said the firm.
Testing on the device started in 2008/09 before wind turbines were installed on the platform.
This was then tested in 2009/10 to test the wind and wave power efficiency and collect data design a final power take off system.
Phase 3 testing will see wind and wave power produced to the grid, first in harbour, where during September the wind turbines will be installed.
Then, in early October, it will be towed out to sea for trials in the Danish autumn storms, said FPP.
FPP founder and inventor Hans Marius Pedersen started developing wave energy concepts through 1980 to 1997. Tests of conceptual designs started in 1998 and the firm founded in 2004.
FPP said: “The wave absorption floaters are equipped with a new power take off system designed in cooperation with Siemens Industry, Fritz Schur Energy, Contech and others.
“The PTO system is a closed hydraulic system, where each floater will be an independent energy producing unit.
“Each float and adjacent PTO system will operate at power levels enabling the use of standard power generation components and each “unit” will be detachable from the platform to allow for easy towing and in-harbor service.
“During September, the platform will be re-equipped with wind turbines and the new power module installed.
“Everything is tested while Poseidon is still in the harbour – one of the beauties for the concept.
“Once all components and control systems are tested, Poseidon is towed back to its original position at sea at the Onsevig test site early October to enjoy the Danish autumn storms.”
