The Pelamis is an offshore wave energy converter, operating in water depths greater than 50m, usually found 2-10km from the coast. It absorbs the energy of ocean waves and converts it into electricity.  The machine floats semi-submerged on the surface of the water and is made up of a number of cylindrical sections joined together by hinged joints.  As waves pass down the length of the machine these sections flex relative to one another.  The motion at each hinged joint is resisted by hydraulic cylinders which pump fluid into high pressure accumulators allowing electrical generation to be smooth and continuous. 

Control of the resistance applied by the hydraulic cylinders allows generation to be maximized when waves are small, and the machine response to be minimized in storms.  All generation systems are sealed and dry inside the machines and power is transmitted to shore using standard subsea cables and equipment. It offers:

• Survivability
• Efficient Power Capture
• Modular Manufacture
• Cost Effective Maintenance
• Design Verified and Insured
• No Specialised Vessels Required
• Minimum shoreline impact
• Minimum onsite construction

Pelamis Wave Power have built and tested five full scale Pelamis machines, with a sixth currently under build for ScottishPower Renewables.  After the successful testing of the prototype machine, PWP secured an order from Portuguese utility Enersis to build the world’s first wave farm off the northwest coast of Portugal at Aguçadoura. The three machine farm had capacity of 2.25MW. The first of a second generation Pelamis design, the P2 Pelamis is currently being tested off the coast of Orkney, Scotland, for utility customer E.ON.

Pelamis Wave Power have established a pipeline of commercial projects from machine testing through to full scale commercial arrays.

For more information, visit www.pelamiswave.com